Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine system and methods includes ATMs which accepts checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Applications 60/660,128 and 60/659,994 filed Mar. 9, 2005.

This Application also claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Applications 60/677,805; 60/677,804; 60/677,846; and60/677,767 filed May 3, 2005.

This Application also claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Applications 60/678,091; 60/677,891; 60/678,102; and60/678,094 filed May 4, 2005.

This Application also claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application 60/678,916 filed May 6, 2005.

The disclosures of each of these applications is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically thisinvention relates to devices and systems which may receive deposits ofindividual sheets such as checks and/or other instruments, into anautomated banking machine.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. Automated bankingmachines are commonly used to carry out transactions such as dispensingcash, checking account balances, paying bills and/or receiving depositsfrom users. Other types of automated banking machines may be used topurchase tickets, to issue coupons, to present checks, to print scripand/or to carry out other functions either for a consumer or a serviceprovider. For purposes of this description any device which is used forcarrying out transactions involving transfers of value shall be referredto as an automated banking machine.

Automated banking machines often have the capability of acceptingdeposits from users. Such deposits may include items such as envelopescontaining checks, credit slips, currency, coin or other items of value.Mechanisms have been developed for receiving such items from the userand transporting them into a secure compartment within the bankingmachine. Periodically a service provider may access the interior of themachine and remove the deposited items. The content and/or value of thedeposited items are verified so that a credit may be properly applied toan account of the user or other entity on whose behalf the deposit hasbeen made. Such depositories often include printing devices which arecapable of printing identifying information on the deposited item. Thisidentifying information enables the source of the item to be tracked andcredit for the item correlated with the proper account after the item isremoved from the machine.

Many automated banking machines accept deposits from users in envelopes.Because the contents of the envelope are not verified at the time ofdeposit, the user's account generally is not credited for the deposituntil the envelope is retrieved from the machine and the contentsthereof verified. Often this must be done by persons who work for afinancial institution. Delays in crediting a user's account may beexperienced due to delays in removing deposits from machines, as well asthe time it takes to review deposited items and enter appropriatecredits. If the deposited items include instruments such as checks,further delays may be experienced. This is because after the instrumentsare removed from the machine they must be presented for payment to theappropriate institution. If the instrument is not honored or invalid thedepositing customer's account cannot be credited for the deposit.Alternatively in situations where a credit has been made for a depositedinstrument that is subsequently dishonored, the user's account must becharged the amount of the credit previously given. In addition the usercommonly incurs a “bad check” fee due to the cost associated with theinstitution having to handle a dishonored deposit. All of thesecomplications may result in delays and inconvenience to the user.

Another risk associated with conventional depositories in automatedbanking machines is that deposited items may be misappropriated. Becausedeposited checks and other instruments are not cancelled at the time ofreceipt by the automated banking machine, they may be stolen from themachine and cashed by unauthorized persons. Criminals may attempt tobreak into the machine to obtain the items that have been stored in thedepository. Alternatively persons responsible for transporting itemsfrom the machine or persons responsible for verifying the items maymisappropriate deposited instruments and currency. Alternatively thehandling required for transporting and verifying the contents ofdeposits may result in deposited instruments being lost. Suchcircumstances can result in the user not receiving proper credit fordeposited items.

To reduce many of the drawbacks associated with conventionaldepositories which receive deposits in the form of envelopes or otheritems, automated devices that can read and cancel deposited instrumentshave been developed. Examples of such devices are shown in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,540,425 and 6,554,185 which are owned by the Assignee of thepresent invention. Such devices are capable of reading the coding onchecks or other deposited items. For example bank checks includemagnetic ink coding commonly referred to as “micr.” The micr coding on acheck can be used to identify the institution upon which the check isdrawn. The coding also identifies the account number of the user and thecheck number. This coding commonly appears in one or several areas onthe instrument. Reading this coding in the automated banking machineenables the machine operator to determine the source of checks or otherinstruments that have been presented.

Imaging devices may also be used in processing instruments. Such imagingdevices may be used to produce data corresponding to an image of theitem that has been deposited. This image may be reviewed to determinethe nature of the deposited item, and along with the information thatcan be obtained from the coding on the instrument allows processing ofthe credit to the user much more readily. Automated instrumentprocessing systems also may provide the capability of printing anindication that the check or other instrument has been deposited andcancelled after it has been received. This reduces the risk that theinstrument will subsequently be misappropriated and cashed byunauthorized persons.

While automated deposit accepting and processing devices provide manyadvantages and benefits, existing devices may also have drawbacks. Onedrawback is that instruments must often be precisely aligned forpurposes of reading micr coding or other indicia which is included onthe instrument. This commonly requires special mechanisms to preciselyposition and align the instrument with the reading devices included inthe device. Sometimes this requires aligning the check against a stop,which may crease or tear the check. A further drawback associated withsome existing devices is that they are required to turn and reorient thedeposited instrument. The mechanisms for doing this can be complex. Suchcomplex mechanisms may encounter reliability problems due to the precisetolerances that must be maintained. Further difficulty is added by thefact that instruments that are received may be creased, torn or soiled.Handling such items may be difficult. Instruments becoming jammed insuch mechanisms may result in costly repairs and downtime.

A further drawback associated with some imaging systems in automatedbanking machines is that it is not practical to transmit an image of adeposited instrument for review and analysis at the time it is received.This is because the time and bandwidth necessary to capture and transmitan image of the deposited instrument may be longer than desirable.Extended transaction times may discourage the use of the machine. Afurther drawback is that even when images may be transmittedsufficiently quickly, the operator of the system is required to investin the resources necessary to analyze the transmitted image and make adetermination as to whether the deposited item should be accepted asvalid or not. Such capabilities may include employees who must reviewthe image and determine whether the item is genuine by comparison todata or other information such as examples of the customer's signature.Alternatively automated systems may be provided for analyzing the imageof the instrument or the data printed or typed thereon. Providing suchcapabilities may be costly for the systems operator. Advances inphotocopy technology also may make it difficult for operators of suchsystems to distinguish between genuine items and reproductions. As aresult even with carefully operated and administered systems there is arisk that deposited items which are not genuine may be accepted.

Certain standardized techniques have been developed for automatedbanking machine systems. The electronic message flows and formatscommonly used for ATMs for example do not include the capability oftransmitting a document image as part of the standard message whichrequests that a deposit transaction be authorized. As a result it hasbeen difficult to achieve real time check verification and cashing inwidely distributed systems. Further, in some systems it is difficult toreadily correlate an image file with the particular transaction withwhich the image file is associated.

There may also be concerns in some systems with regard to the integrityof system data. For example there are risks that electronic image datarepresentative of check images may be modified in order to carry outfraudulent activities. Also in some situations it may be desirable tomark on a check that has been presented with permanent markings toreduce the risk that the check can be improperly renegotiated. However,such markings may render it impossible to prove the character of theoriginal check as it was received.

A further drawback associated with some automated banking machinesystems is that they cannot be used by individuals who do not have bankaccounts. Generally automated banking machines require that depositeditems be credited to a user's existing account with a financialinstitution. The user generally has to wait several days before thedeposited item is verified and credited to the account. If the user doesnot have sufficient funds in the account to make a withdrawal, the usermust generally wait for the verification process to be completed beforethe money may be withdrawn. This makes the use of automated bankingmachines generally unsuitable for persons who do not have bank accountsand/or cannot wait several days for deposited items to be verified andcredited to their account.

A further drawback associated with some existing automated bankingmachine systems is that some operators of such systems may wish toretain the capability to accept deposits in the form of items such asenvelopes as well as checks and other instruments. Providing twoseparate depositories may add considerable cost and complexity to themachine. While mechanisms which can accept both single sheet-likeinstruments as well as envelopes have been developed, such mechanismsare often complex and unreliable. The capability of accepting both typesof deposits is difficult to achieve because deposited instruments andenvelopes may have varying thicknesses. The thickness of depositedenvelopes may also be nonuniform. This is particularly true when suchdeposited envelopes may include items such as folded sheets or coin.Such combined depositories may also suffer from having lower securitycapabilities than mechanisms which are designed to accept only one typeof deposit.

There is also often a desire to accept other types of documents inautomated banking machines. Such documents may include for exampleutility bills or other items or instruments associated with value, or aparticular account with which the customer may associate value or aparticular payment. Such instruments may have thicknesses and propertieswhich correspond to neither conventional checks or deposit envelopes. Inaddition the two-dimensional size of such items may also vary. Thispresents challenges for reliably handling such items. It may also bedesirable in some circumstances to be able to image items andinstruments which are associated with a customer. For example in somecircumstances it may be desirable to receive a customer's driver'slicense, social security card, immigration card or other document toverify the identity of the user. In some cases it may be desirable toreceive documents such as checks and currency bills and to process themusing a common mechanism. Current depository mechanisms often do nothave the capability of reliably handling or imaging such items.

Thus there exists a need for a deposit accepting apparatus and systemfor use in connection with automated banking machines that has thecapability of handling and imaging more types of items, which may do somore reliably and which can be used in connection with more types oftransactions and systems.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an automated banking machine system and method thataccepts deposits and provides cash to a user.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus for use in connectionwith an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus which can be used toaccept, image and verify the authenticity of items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that accepts bothsheets and envelopes.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that can be used inexisting automated banking machine systems.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that has greaterreliability.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that is more compact.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide methods of accepting deposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a method for verifying the authenticity ofdeposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a method for handling and storing deposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a method for expediting the receipt of checks in anautomated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide methods for changing and modifying image datacorresponding to checks received in an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an apparatus and method for correlating image andtransaction data to facilitate check processing.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention willbe made apparent in the following Best Modes For Carrying Out Inventionand the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by adeposit accepting apparatus and method used in connection with anautomated banking machine. A first exemplary deposit accepting apparatusincludes a transport section. The transport section includes a transportwhich accepts items of variable thickness. Such items may includerelatively thin single sheet-like items and relatively thick irregularshaped items such as deposit envelopes. The transport section includes abiasing mechanism for reliably engaging deposited items with movingmechanisms such as belts or rollers in the transport section. Thedeposited items are reliably engaged with such moving members to assurethat the deposited item is moved through the transport section.

The exemplary transport section further includes a variable forcedriving section. The variable force driving section engages depositeditems. The variable force driving section enables limited slipengagement with a deposited item as it is being accepted into thetransport section. This enables a user presenting a document to avoiddamaging or tearing a document if they fail to release it when it isfirst engaged by the variable force transport section. Once a documentor other deposited item is sensed as having been moved sufficiently intothe transport, the apparatus operates to cause the variable forcetransport section to engage the item more positively and in a nonslipfashion for purposes of moving it in the transport. In embodiments ofthe invention an aligning device may work in conjunction with thevariable slip drive to aid in aligning documents with a transport path.

The exemplary transport section further includes an analysis moduleadjacent thereto. In the exemplary embodiment the analysis module servesas an imaging device and is operative to analyze documents passingthrough the transport section. In the exemplary embodiment the analysismodule is operative to enable the generation of image datarepresentative of an image of the document. In addition the analysismodule is operative to sense for features and characteristics of thedocument which may be used to identify the document type. Alternativelyor in addition the analysis module may operate to sense properties of adeposited document which distinguish acceptable or genuine documentsfrom unacceptable documents.

In the exemplary embodiment the transport section of the depositaccepting apparatus is connected to a deposit holding module. Thedeposit holding module includes at least two compartments therein. Inthe exemplary embodiment the deposit holding module operates to move thecompartments relative to the transport section and to selectively placean outlet from the transport section in communication with a desired oneof the compartments. For example when an envelope type deposit isaccepted in the transport section, the deposit holding module operatesso that the envelope is moved through the transport and deposited into acompartment which is adapted for holding envelopes. Alternatively when acheck or other sheet-like deposit is moved through the transportsection, the deposit holding module operates so that the sheet movesfrom the transport section into a compartment which is designated forholding the particular type of sheet.

In an exemplary embodiment described herein, a deposit acceptingapparatus and method is used in connection with an ATM. The ATM includesone or more computers therein (alternatively referred to herein asprocessors) which operate to control the transaction function deviceswithin the ATM including aspects of the deposit accepting apparatus.When a customer at the ATM wishes to deposit an envelope or similardeposit containing item in the machine, the controller enables thecustomer to place the deposited envelope in the machine so that it mayengage the transport section. The computer also operates so that thedeposit holding module places the compartment for holding depositedenvelopes in communication with the transport section. The user isenabled to engage the deposit envelope with the variable force drivingsection which the computer causes to operate in a limited slip mode.Once the computer senses that the deposit envelope has been moved intothe transport section the variable force driving section may becontrolled so that the envelope is more positively engaged with themoving members in the transport. The deposit envelope is then movedthrough the transport past the analysis module.

In the exemplary embodiment as the deposit envelope passes through thetransport section the computer causes a printing mechanism to printidentifying information on the envelope. The exemplary embodimentincludes a printing mechanism which senses that the envelope has movedinto proximity with the printing mechanism. In response to sensing thiscondition the computer causes the printing mechanism to move relative tothe envelope so that printing may be reliably conducted thereon. Themovement of the printing mechanism provides greater assurance that theenvelope will not catch on or be damaged by the printer mechanism. Onceprinting has been conducted, the computer causes the printing mechanismto be returned to a standby condition.

Upon passing through the transport section the deposited envelope passesinto the designated compartment. The entrance to the designatedcompartment is aligned with the outlet from the transport sectionthrough operation of the deposit holding module. Once the depositedenvelope has passed into the compartment within the module it is heldtherein until accessed by authorized personnel. Suitable lockingmechanisms and security procedures are provided so that only authorizedpersonnel are enabled to access the deposit. The identifying informationthat is printed on the envelope enables the association of the depositeditems with the particular customer or user of the automated bankingmachine.

In the exemplary embodiment when the user wishes to deposit aninstrument such as a check, the automated banking machine operates toverify the authenticity of the check and to read data therefrom. Inresponse to the user first providing appropriate identifying inputs andinformation, the computer in the ATM operates to enable a deposited itemto engage the transport section of the apparatus. The computer operatessuch that the deposited item is initially engaged in a limited slipmanner by the variable force driving section and once sensed assubstantially within the transport, operates to move the check in agenerally nonslip manner.

The deposited item is moved in the transport section in the exemplaryembodiment in a first direction past sensors which enable the computerto determine its length. Once the length of the deposited item isdetermined by moving it in the first direction, movement of thedeposited item is stopped and the item is transported in an opposeddirection past the analysis module. In the exemplary embodiment movementof the check past the analysis module enables the collection of data toprovide an image of the check as well as the sensing of magneticproperties in areas thereof. The first exemplary embodiment does notrequire that the deposited check be perfectly aligned in the transportsection for reading the check.

In an exemplary embodiment the computer operates responsive to inputsprovided by the customer or responsive to other actions to recall frommemory data representative of a template which shows the layout ofinformation included on the particular type of item being deposited. Thecomputer operates to adjust the image data gathered from the depositeditem and to place it in correspondence with the template. Characters arethen analyzed from at least one selected area of the image in accordancewith the template to determine if such characters can be accuratelyidentified. If the computer determines that these particular characterscannot be accurately identified the image data is then moved relative toa template and further attempts are made to determine if data from thearea of the template can be recognized. In the exemplary embodiment thedata corresponding to the image of the check may be moved 180° relativeto the first attempt. In this way if the check is deposited in forexample, a face up orientation, either of two possible orientations forthe check may be quickly analyzed. Of course alternative approaches maybe used and if after a set number of attempts it is determined that thedata from a particular area of the check cannot be analyzed with asufficient degree of assurance, further attempts may be discontinued andthe deposited item returned to the customer.

Once data from at least one area of the deposited item is determinedwith a sufficient level of assurance, data from at least one other areaof the item as determined by the template may be analyzed. In the caseof a check the ATM is operative to determine the amount of the check aswritten in the courtesy amount area. The computer operates to analyzethe characters and determine if the amount can be determined with asufficient level of assurance. In the exemplary embodiment the computeroperates to locate and identify the courtesy amount using certainlandmark rules which identify the landscape and layout of the courtesyamount area. If the computer decides that the characters in the courtesyamount area may be determined with a sufficient level of assurance,further processing of the check is enabled to be conducted. In thealternative if the amount cannot be read with a sufficient level ofassurance, the deposited check may be returned to the customer.

In the exemplary embodiment the computer operates to analyze thecharacters in the micr line on the check as well as the courtesy amount.This data provides both the data sufficient to identify the institutionon which the check is drawn as well as the account number of the entityon whose account the check is drawn. The micr line also includes datarepresentative of the check number and other information. The courtesyamount which is analyzed in the exemplary embodiment indicates theamount of the check which has been presented. This information is oftensufficient for a financial institution or other entity operating theautomated banking machine to charge the appropriate entity for theamount of the check presented. In alternative embodiments the computermay operate to analyze characters located in the area of the check inwhich the legal amount is written. The amount determined as the legalamount of the check may then be compared to the courtesy amount forpurposes of determining whether both amounts have been read properly.Alternatively or in addition, the micr line on the check may includeamount data in the case of some checks. In these cases the computer mayoperate to conduct additional comparisons between the analyzed amountsto verify that the amounts correspond and therefore have been readaccurately, or to determine discrepancies that may indicate that a checkhas been tampered with or other conditions that may suggest that it isnot advisable for the machine to accept such a check.

In the exemplary embodiment the depository apparatus is also operativeto sense for the presence of magnetic coding in appropriate locations onthe check. For example the computer is operative to verify that the inkin the area which has been identified as including the micr coding hasmagnetic properties. This provides greater assurance that the documentpresented is in fact a genuine check and not a photocopy of a check. Thecomputer may operate in addition to sense magnetic or other propertiesfrom various areas appropriate for the deposited document depending ondata stored in memory. Further in some alternative embodiments thecomputer may operate to look for magnetic or other properties in areasof the check where such properties would not be appropriate. Suchsensing may reduce the risk of the machine accepting fraudulent checks.Of course, other embodiments may include a read head or other device forreading micr line data magnetically.

In some embodiments the machine may operate to capture a complete imageof one or both sides of each check or other instrument. In someembodiments image data may be stored in correlated relation with datarelated to the transaction at the machine. In some embodiments the imagedata, with or without associated transaction data, may be delivered bythe machine to appropriate computers so that check processing may beconducted using the electronic image of the check rather than paperdocuments. In some embodiments check images may be stored at the machineand later delivered to appropriate systems for check processing. Inother alternative embodiments check images may be transmitted to othercomputers during the transaction so that such computers may furtheranalyze the check image data.

In an exemplary embodiment the computer operating in the ATM isoperative to include data representative of the check data correspondingto information corresponding to indicia on the check such as amount andmicr line data into an electronic message requesting authorization ofthe ATM transaction. This authorization message is transmitted to anappropriate host computer. The computer analyzes the data to verify thatthe user operating the ATM is authorized to conduct a deposit, checkcashing or other transaction. In addition the host computer may operateto verify that the check data corresponds to data input by the customer.The host computer may further operate to determine or communicate withother computers to verify that the account data corresponding to thecheck corresponds to a valid account, that the check is not subject to astop payment order and/or that there are sufficient funds in the accountupon which the presented check is drawn to provide payment therefor.

In response to the host computer determining that the requested checkcashing transaction is suitable to be carried forward, an authorizationmessage is returned from the host computer to the ATM. The ATM operatesresponsive to instruction data included in the authorization message tocause the check to be moved through the transport section past theprinting mechanism. The printing mechanism operates to print indicia onthe check. This data represented by the indicia may indicate that thecheck has been cancelled as well as indicate the particular account ofthe user to which the check has been credited. In an exemplaryembodiment the printing mechanism operates in, the manner previouslydiscussed to move into position in response to sensing the checkadjacent thereto. This again minimizes the risk of damage to theprinting mechanism or the check.

The computer also operates to control the deposit holding module suchthat the appropriate compartment therein accepts the deposited check. Inthe exemplary system the deposit holding module moves the compartmentfor holding the check into alignment with the outlet of the transportsection. The deposited check is then held within the compartment untilit is accessed by authorized personnel. Further, in the exemplaryembodiment the deposit holding module is operative after receipt of thecheck into the appropriate compartment to move a tamping member in thecompartment. The tamping member operates to assure that the depositedcheck as well as other checks in the compartment are properly tampedinto position so as to reduce the likelihood of interference withacceptance of subsequent checks. The deposited check is then held in theappropriate compartment until removed by authorized personnel.

In some exemplary embodiments the authorization message received fromthe host computer by the ATM includes transaction identifying data. Suchtransaction identifying data may include information which facilitatesassociating the image or images of the check captured by the ATM withthe particular transaction. Such transaction identifying data mayinclude data that is sent by the ATM to the host computer in theoriginal request message as well as data that may be assigned by the ATMhost to the transaction. For example in an exemplary embodimenttransaction identification data includes data which identifies theparticular terminal at which the transaction is being conducted. Suchinformation corresponds to the terminal identification data that isincluded in the message received by the ATM host from the terminalrequesting the transaction. In addition in some alternative embodimentsthe transaction identification data may include information correlatedwith a particular user such as the user's name and/or accountinformation. Such information may also be included in the messagereceived by the ATM host from the terminal. Further in exemplaryembodiments the transaction identification data may include informationsuch as the business date assigned by the ATM host to the transaction,the entity responsible for operating the ATM such as a particularinstitution or business establishment, transaction numbers such as asequence number as well as a pseudo number which can be used forcorrelating and/or verifying transaction data. Of course these items oftransaction identification data are exemplary and in other exemplaryembodiments other or different data may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment the ATM is programmed to correlate thetransaction identification data with the image data related to theparticular check received in the transaction. At a time after the ATMhas generated data corresponding to an image of the check, an imagemessage is generated by the ATM and sent to a remote computer. In theexemplary embodiment the image message includes the transactionidentification data as well as the data representative of the front andback of the check in a single message. In the exemplary embodiment theimage message is sent to an image server which is operative to receiveand process the image and transaction data. The image server isoperative to tabularize the transaction data related to machinesoperated by a particular entity and to make the information and imagesrelated to transactions conducted by ATMs associated with that entityavailable to authorized individuals. This may be done through passwordprotection, digital certificates or other security methodologies.Further in other alternative embodiments the image server or otherconnected computers may be operative to send information included in theimage message and/or image data to a clearing house or other institutionfor purposes of achieving settlement between an entity upon which thecheck is drawn and another entity holding an account for an entity towhich the check is payable. Further the image data may be transmittedand processed in lieu of a paper check so as to return evidence relatedto the proper cashing and cancellation of the check through theinstitution on which the check is drawn, and eventually to the maker ofthe check. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

While the exemplary embodiment is used for accepting envelopes andchecks, other embodiments of the invention may accept only checks or mayprocess other types of instruments. These include for example utilitybills, drivers' licenses, gaming materials, tax documents and otheritems. Such items may be analyzed by the analysis module described inthe exemplary embodiment for image and magnetic properties.Alternatively such items may be analyzed for other properties which maybe indicative of their genuineness and value. Further as can beappreciated, while the exemplary embodiment accepts deposited items intothe machine, other embodiments of the invention may accept items from auser, analyze them and return them to the user. This includes not onlyitems which are considered unacceptable as is discussed in the exemplaryembodiment, but may also include items such as drivers' licenses whichare returned to the user after an image or analysis is made thereof.

In an alternative embodiment a deposit accepting apparatus is used thataccepts documents. These documents may include checks, currency billsand other types of documents. A single deposit accepting device mayaccept multiple types of documents. In this alternative embodiment adocument such as a check is received through an opening in the ATM andmoved therein in a first direction by a first transport. Sensors areoperative to sense the document has moved into a suitable locationwithin the device. The document is then disengaged from the firsttransport and engaged with a pair of second transports which aredisposed from one another in the first direction. The second transportsengage the document and are operative to move the document in adirection transverse of the first direction. The first transportdisengages from the document such that the second transports can movethe document and align an edge thereof extending along the firstdirection with a plurality of non-contact sensors. At least oneprocessor operates in accordance with its programming to control thesecond transports and controls movement of the document in the seconddirection such that an edge of the document is aligned with thenon-contact sensors which serve as a “virtual wall” for purposes ofpositioning the document.

Once the document is aligned such that an edge extends along the firstdirection in the desired orientation, the first transport reengages thedocument while the second transports disengage. The document is thenmoved again in the first direction past one or more appropriate sensingdevices. In the exemplary embodiment because the document is alignedalong the first direction, documents which are checks may have the micrline or other portion thereof read through operation of a magnetic readhead. Alternatively or in addition when the document is moved in a firstdirection, the magnetic properties of the document may be read in aplurality of locations by one or more magnetic sensors which areoperative to read magnetic properties of the document, including indiciathereon such as the micr line and/or other features.

In the alternative embodiment the check is moved in a first directionpast a pair of scanning sensors. The scanning sensors are operative toread optical indicia on each side of the check and to produce datacorresponding thereto. The data corresponding to the optical indicia maybe processed in the manner described such that data corresponding toimages of the front and rear of the check or portions thereof aregenerated and stored through operation of the processor in one or moredata stores of the ATM. The indicia on the check may also be analyzedfor purposes of determining information regarding on the check so thatit can be used in conducting a transaction.

In the alternative embodiment once a check has been moved past thesensors which capture data corresponding to optical indicia, the checkis moved in generally the first direction into an area which may serveas an escrow area for checks. In some embodiments the escrow area may beof sufficient length so that multiple checks may be temporarily storedtherein. In the exemplary embodiment, the machine operates to determinewhether the check is to be accepted or returned to the customer whilethe check is held in the escrow area. For example in some embodimentsone or more processors in the ATM may operate to determine if the checkcan be sufficiently accurately read, redeemed for cash or otherwiseprocessed while the check is stored in the escrow area. If it isdetermined that the check cannot be accepted, one or more transports areoperative to move the check out of the ATM so that the check is returnedto the customer.

Alternatively if the check is found to be suitable for acceptance, thecheck is moved from the escrow area past one or more stamper printers.The stamper printer is operative to apply ink marks to one or moresurfaces of the check so as to indicate that the check has beencancelled. In an exemplary embodiment the check is thereafter moved intoa vertically extending transport. As the check enters the verticaltransport, printing is conducted on the check through operation of asuitable inkjet or other printer. Appropriate printing is applied to thecheck to indicate it has been cancelled as the check moves past theinkjet printer. In the exemplary embodiment the inkjet printer hasaligned on an opposed side of the transport therefrom, an ink catchermechanism. The ink catcher mechanism of the exemplary embodimentincludes a movable head. The movable head includes an opening thereinsuch that the opening may be aligned with the ink spraying nozzles onthe head of the inkjet printer so as to receive ink therein that is notdeposited on the check or other document. The exemplary embodiment ofthe movable head also includes a wiper. The head is moved throughoperation of a motor or other moving device at appropriate times so thatthe wiper engages the head of the inkjet printer so as to minimize thebuildup of ink and contaminants thereon. This facilitates accurateprinting and helps to minimize the risk of potential damage to checks bythe accumulation of excess ink within the machine.

Checks or other documents that move past the printer in the verticaltransport are moved downward in the exemplary embodiment into a storagearea. Once the documents have reached a lower surface of the storagearea a plunger mechanism is operative to engage the check and move itout of the vertical transport. In an exemplary embodiment the plungermechanism is operative to be movable such that the check can be eithermoved into a storage location on either opposed side of the verticaltransport. Once the check is moved out of the transport by the plungermechanism the check may be held in intermediate relation between areference surface and a spring biased backing plate. As a result checksor other documents may be selectively moved by the plunger mechanism forstorage in a selected one of the locations in the storage area.

Various approaches may be taken in the operation of automated bankingmachines for storing documents that are received by the alternativedocument accepting mechanism. For example in some embodiments themechanism may only accept checks. In such embodiments the machine mayoperate in accordance with its programming to segregate checks that aredrawn on the particular institution owning the ATM that receives thecheck, from checks that are drawn on other institutions. Alternativelythe ATM may be programmed to store valid checks in one compartment andsuspect checks in another compartment. Alternatively in some otherembodiments the document accepting mechanism may store multiple types ofdocuments. For example in an ATM that accepts currency bills and checksthrough the mechanism, bills may be stored in one compartment whilechecks are stored in another. Various approaches may be taken based onthe programming of the particular automated banking machine.

Numerous types of novel systems and methods are taught by the disclosurehereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary automated banking machinewhich may be used in connection with a deposit accepting apparatus andmethod.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of components included within an automatedbanking machine of the type shown in FIG. 1 and a system in which theautomated banking machine is used.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of software components used in connectionwith the automated banking machine shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a first deposit accepting apparatus used inconnection with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the deposit accepting apparatus shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the deposit accepting apparatus shown in FIG. 4with the analysis module removed therefrom.

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view showing the transport portion of thedeposit accepting apparatus in a position in which it accepts checks andother sheets.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the deposit accepting module inposition for accepting envelopes or other items.

FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of the variable force driving sectionincluded in the transport section of the deposit accepting apparatuswith the drive shown in condition for providing limited slip engagementwith deposited items.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 but with the variable force drivingsection providing generally nonslip engagement with deposited items.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the deposit holding module of the transportapparatus shown in a position accepting a sheet into a sheet holdingcompartment.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but with the deposit holding modulein a condition for accepting an envelope deposit into an envelopeholding compartment.

FIG. 13 is an opposite side view of the deposit holding module from thatshown in FIG. 11 with a tamping member in a position for accepting entryof a sheet into the sheet holding compartment.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 but with the tamping memberdisposed downward to tamp sheets held in the compartment.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 but with an access door to thesheet holding compartment in an open position.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14 but with the tamping memberdisposed upward from the sheet holding compartment to enable a user toaccess sheets therein.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a printing mechanism used in connection withthe deposit accepting apparatus shown in FIG. 4 with the printer shownin a non-printing position.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 but with the printing mechanismshown in a printing condition.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of hardware and software components used inconnection with the deposit accepting apparatus and the automatedbanking machine of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the interaction of components used inconnection with accepting documents in the deposit accepting mechanism.

FIGS. 21-25 are schematic views representing a series of steps executedthrough use of the deposit accepting apparatus in connection withaccepting a check in the machine.

FIG. 26 is a top schematic view of the exemplary deposit acceptingapparatus showing a document accepted therein in a skewed position.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a check adjacent an analysis module inthe deposit accepting apparatus of the exemplary embodiment and thedevices used for sensing magnetic properties thereof.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an exemplary magnetic profile generatedby the document shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an exemplary logic flow executed by an automated bankingmachine in accepting an envelope deposit through the deposit acceptingapparatus.

FIGS. 30-33 describe an exemplary embodiment of the logic flow executedby an automated banking machine in accepting a check through the depositaccepting apparatus.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view showing how data representative of an imageof a deposited instrument is modified and aligned in an exemplaryembodiment for purposes of analysis.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view of the application of a template for aparticular type of deposited instrument to image data for an instrumentdeposited to the deposit accepting apparatus of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of an alternative form of the variable forcedriving section included in the transport section of the depositaccepting apparatus which includes a document alignment device.

FIG. 37 is a side schematic view corresponding to FIG. 36 showing themechanism actuating the variable force driving section and documentalignment device.

FIG. 38 is a schematic view of an alternative system of an exemplaryembodiment including check accepting automated banking machines.

FIG. 39 is an exemplary screen output provided from an administratorstation of the system shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator station,showing the status of automated banking machines.

FIG. 41 is an exemplary screen output from an administration, showingstatus information related to a particular automated banking machine.

FIG. 42 is an exemplary output from an administrator station whichenables an administrator to recover transaction information from theexemplary system.

FIG. 43 is an exemplary output from an administrator station showingcheck cashing transactions conducted by a particular customer.

FIG. 44 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationshowing selections in an exemplary system.

FIG. 45 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationshowing available reports.

FIG. 46 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationenabling an administrator to upload file information to the exemplarysystem.

FIG. 47 is an exemplary output from an administrator station indicatingthe upload of files to the exemplary system.

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of an exemplary record relating to makers ofchecks whose checks are to be cashed in the exemplary system.

FIG. 49 is an exemplary output from an administrator work stationshowing file conversion from the exemplary system.

FIG. 50 is an exemplary output from an administrator station which isused by an administrator to edit customer records.

FIG. 51 is an exemplary screen output produced by an administratorstation showing customer authorization information.

FIG. 52 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationshowing information regarding a particular attempted check cashingtransaction.

FIGS. 53 through 57 include a schematic representation of the logic flowexecuted by computers in the exemplary system shown in FIG. 38.

FIGS. 58 through 60 are a table showing various criteria programmed inthe exemplary system for the denial of transactions attempted atautomated banking machines within the system.

FIG. 61 is a schematic view of an alternative system for processingcheck transaction data and image data related to checks received throughautomated banking machines.

FIG. 62 is a schematic view of the logic flow associated with a checkaccepting transaction conducted at an exemplary automated bankingmachine used in connection with the system represented in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is a table showing exemplary transaction identifying dataassociated with check images in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a table showing exemplary fields and the content thereof inan image message sent from an ATM to an image server in an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 65 is an exemplary interface screen presented by an image server topersons who may be seeking to access transaction and image data in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 66 is an exemplary interface screen presented by the image serverto require users to identify themselves as properly authorized to accesstransaction and image data.

FIG. 67 is an exemplary output from the image server through which-auser is enabled to access check transaction and image data.

FIG. 68 is an exemplary interface output from the image server whichenables authorized users to recover transaction and image data relatedto transactions.

FIG. 69 is an exemplary table of transaction data corresponding to checkcashing transactions conducted at ATMs associated with a particularentity operating ATMs.

FIG. 70 is an exemplary output from the check image server representingan image of a check which is produced responsive to selecting an iconassociated with a corresponding transaction in the table shown in FIG.69.

FIG. 71 is an exemplary file record related to transactions conducted atan ATM in which multiple checks are accepted.

FIG. 72 is a representation of a front side of an exemplary check.

FIG. 73 is the back side of the check shown in FIG. 72.

FIG. 74 is an exemplary image overlay of markings to be included on acheck through operation of an automated banking machine.

FIG. 75 is the front side of the exemplary check shown in FIG. 72 withthe markings of the image overlay combined therewith.

FIG. 76 is the back of the check shown in FIG. 74 with indicia printedthereon.

FIG. 77 is an exemplary view of the image overlay associated with theinformation shown printed on the check in FIG. 76.

FIG. 78 is image data corresponding to the check shown in FIG. 72 butincluding graphic indicia in the image data representing an authenticityfeature included with the image data.

FIG. 79 is image data corresponding to the back side of the check shownin FIG. 73 including an indication that the image data includes anauthenticity feature.

FIG. 80 represents an image of the check shown in FIG. 71 with the imagedata changed to include the modification in the micr line data.

FIG. 81 is an isometric view of an alternative form of a depositaccepting apparatus shown in an open condition for servicing.

FIG. 82 is an opposite hand isometric view of the deposit acceptingapparatus shown in FIG. 81.

FIG. 83 is a schematic view of the devices included in the alternativedeposit accepting apparatus.

FIG. 84 is a top isometric view of a portion of an upper platenincluding elements of a first transport which moves documents in a firstlongitudinal direction in the deposit accepting apparatus and secondtransports which move documents in a direction transverse to the firstdirection.

FIG. 85 is a side view of the platen and first and second drives shownin FIG. 84.

FIG. 86 is a bottom view corresponding to FIGS. 84 and 85 showing theplaten with rolls of the first and second transports extendingtherethrough.

FIG. 87 is a top plan view of an upper platen and a lower platen of atransport mechanism of the alternative deposit accepting device.

FIG. 88 is a front view showing the positions of the first and secondtransports corresponding to FIG. 87.

FIG. 89 is a view similar to FIG. 87 with the transports operating tomove a document in a first direction.

FIG. 90 is a front view of the first and second transports correspondingto FIG. 89.

FIG. 91 is a view similar to FIG. 89 with the document moved furtherinto the deposit accepting device.

FIG. 92 is a front plan view showing the positions of the first andsecond transports.

FIG. 93 is a view similar to FIG. 91 showing the document moved in asecond direction transverse to the first direction.

FIG. 94 is a front plan view showing the relative positions of the firstand second transports when a document is moved in a transversedirection.

FIG. 95 is a view similar to FIG. 93 showing an edge of the documentaligned with the non-contact sensors.

FIG. 96 corresponds to FIG. 95 and shows the positions of the first andsecond transports.

FIG. 97 is a view similar to FIG. 95 but showing an alternative documentincluding a folded edge.

FIG. 98 is a front view of the first and second transports correspondingto FIG. 97.

FIG. 99 is an isometric view showing the movable mounting of theexemplary magnetic read head of the alternative embodiment.

FIG. 100 is a partially sectioned view corresponding to FIG. 99 furthershowing the movable mounting for the magnetic read head.

FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting for the magneticread head as shown in FIG. 99.

FIG. 102 is an isometric view showing an ink catcher mechanism of anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 103 is a partially exploded view showing the movable head disposedfrom the body of the ink catcher.

FIG. 104 is an exploded isometric view showing the body of the inkcatcher of FIG. 102.

FIG. 105 is a partially exploded view of an exemplary form of thestamper printer used in the alternative embodiment.

FIG. 106 is another exploded view of the exemplary stamper printer.

FIG. 107 is a side view showing the eccentric profile of the exemplaryembodiment of the printing roll of the stamper printer.

FIG. 108 is an isometric view of the storage compartment of thealternative deposit accepting mechanism shown with the storagecompartment having its access door in an open position.

FIG. 109 is an isometric view of the guide of the vertically extendingtransport that extends in the storage mechanism.

FIG. 110 is a side view of the vertically extending transport thatextends in the storage area of the alternative deposit acceptingapparatus.

FIG. 111 is an isometric view of the apparatus shown accepting adocument into the vertically extending transport.

FIGS. 112 through 115 show the sequential movement of the plunger memberas it operates to move a document held in the vertically extendingtransport into a storage location positioned on the left side of thestorage mechanism as shown.

FIG. 116 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 111 showing the verticaltransport of the accepting a document therein.

FIGS. 117 through 120 show the sequential movement of the exemplaryplunger member to move a document in the vertical transport to a storagelocation on the right side of the vertical transport as shown.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein an exemplary embodiment of an automated banking machine 10 whichincludes an exemplary deposit accepting apparatus and which performs anexemplary methods of operation. Automated banking machine 10 is an ATM.However it should be understood that the inventive concepts disclosedherein may be used in connection with various types of automated bankingmachines and devices of other types. Automated banking machine 10includes a user interface generally indicated 12. User interface 12includes input and output devices. In the exemplary embodiment the inputdevices include a plurality of function buttons 14 through which a usermay provide inputs to the machine. The exemplary input devices furtherinclude a keypad 16 through which a user may provide numeric or otherinputs. A further input device in this exemplary embodiment includes acard reader schematically indicated 18. Card reader 18 may be of thetype used for reading magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, RFID tokens orother articles presented by a user. Another input device on theexemplary machine includes an image capture device 20. The image capturedevice may be a camera or other device for capturing the image of a useror the surroundings of the machine. The exemplary embodiment may includebiometric reading devices. Such devices may include an imaging orreading device such as a fingerprint reader, iris scan device, retinascan device or other biometric input. It should be understood that thecamera mentioned may serve as a biometric reading device in someembodiments.

The user interface 12 also includes output devices. In the exemplaryembodiment the output devices include a display 22. Display 22 includesa visual output device such as a CRT or LCD for providing messages andprompts to a user. These messages and prompts may be responded to byinputs from the user through the function buttons 14 adjacent to thedisplay or by inputs through the keypad 16 or through other inputs. Afurther output device in the exemplary embodiment includes an audiooutput device schematically indicated 24. The audio output device may beused to provide audible outputs to the user. A further output device inthe exemplary embodiment includes a printer. The printer may be used toprovide outputs in the form of receipts or other items or information tothe user. The printer is in connection with a printer outlet in the userinterface indicated 26 in FIG. 1.

It should be understood that the input and output devices shown areexemplary and in other embodiments of the invention other types of inputand output devices may be used. Such input and output devices commonlyreceive information which is usable to identify the customer and/ortheir accounts. Such devices are also operative to provide informationto a user and to receive instructions from a user concerningtransactions which are to be carried out through use of the machine.Various forms of user interfaces and input and output devices may beused in connection with embodiments of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment ATM 10 includes a cash dispensing mechanismalternatively referred to herein as a cash dispenser. The cashdispensing mechanism is selectively operated to enable the dispensing ofcash to authorized users of the machine. Cash is provided to the usersthrough a cash outlet indicated 28. A further feature of the exemplaryembodiment is the ability to accept deposits through the ATM. Themachine includes a deposit accepting opening 30. In the exemplaryembodiment the ATM is enabled to accept deposits in the form of sheets,envelopes and/or other items as later discussed.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the computer architecture associatedwith ATM 10 and a first exemplary system in which it is used. The ATMincludes one or more computers therein, which computers arealternatively referred to as a processor or processors. The one or morecomputers in the exemplary embodiment are schematically represented by aterminal processor 32. The terminal processor is in operative connectionwith one or more data stores schematically represented 34. The terminalprocessor may comprise one or more computers that operate to controltransaction function devices 36 which are included in the ATM. Thesetransaction function devices include devices which operate in the ATM tocarry out transactions. Transaction function devices may include, forexample, currency dispensing mechanisms, currency presenters, currencyacceptors, currency validators, item dispensing devices, card readers,printers, depositories, other input and output devices and otherdevices. Transaction function devices may further include cameras,sensors, image capture devices and other items. The particular characterof the transaction function devices depends on the particularcapabilities for carrying out transactions to be provided by the ATM.

In the exemplary embodiment ATM 10 exchanges messages through acommunications interface 38 with a communications network 40. Network 40may be one or more types of data communications networks, including aphone line, data line, lease line, frame relay, wireless network,telecommunications network or other medium for communicating messages toand from the ATM 10. The communications interface provided is suitableto work in connection with the particular type of network(s) to whichthe machine is connected. In the exemplary embodiment the ATM may beconnected to a network which communicates with a plurality of ATMs suchas Cirrus® or Plus®, or other debit card network. Of course in otherembodiments other suitable networks for processing credit, debit orother types of online transactions may be used including the Internet.

As schematically represented in FIG. 2, network 40 is in operativeconnection with one or more host computers 42. Host computers 42 in theexemplary embodiment are operative to authorize transaction requestswhich are made by users at the ATM 10. The ATM is operative to deliverto the host computer data identifying the user and/or their account andthe particular transactions that they wish to conduct. The request isrouted through the network to a host computer that can evaluate and/orauthorize the request. The appropriate host computer receives andanalyzes this data and returns to the ATM a message which indicateswhether the transaction requested is authorized to be conducted at themachine. The message returned may also include one or more instructionsthat cause the ATM to carry out one or more transaction functions. Inresponse to receiving a message indicating that the transaction shouldproceed, the processor in the ATM operates the transaction functiondevices to carry out the requested transaction. If the transaction isnot authorized, the user is so informed through the display and thetransaction is prevented. The ATM is also operative in the exemplaryembodiment to send to the host computer authorizing the transaction, acompletion message which includes data indicative of whether thetransaction was able to be carried out successfully. Upon receiving theinformation that the transaction was carried out, the host computer isoperative to take appropriate action such as to credit or debit a user'saccount. It should be understood that this system shown in FIG. 2 isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches to operatingautomated banking machines and authorizing transactions may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the transaction function devices include adeposit accepting apparatus. The exemplary deposit accepting apparatusis capable of accepting deposited items such as envelopes as well assheets and documents such as checks. This deposit accepting apparatus inalternative embodiments may be capable of accepting and analyzing otheritems such as papers, instruments, billing statements, invoices,vouchers, wagering slips, receipts, scrip, payment documents, driver'slicenses, currency bills, cards and items which may be moved in thedeposit accepting device. Alternative embodiments may accept onlyselected ones of such items. The exemplary deposit accepting apparatusmay alternatively be referred to herein as an “intelligent depositorymodule,” “depository module” or “IDM.” The exemplary embodiment of theIDM is referred to herein as 44 and the exemplary mechanical componentsthereof shown in FIGS. 4-18.

As shown in FIG. 4 IDM 44 includes a transport section 46. Transportsection 46 extends in generally a straight path from an inlet 48 to anoutlet 50. Inlet 48 is positioned adjacent to a deposit acceptingopening 30 through the body of the ATM 10. Access to the transportsection 46 from the outside of the ATM may be controlled by a gate 52 orother suitable blocking mechanism which operates under the control ofthe terminal processor 32. The terminal processor operates to open thegate only when an authorized user of the ATM is to provide items to orto receive items from the transport section of the IDM.

The transport section 46 of the IDM includes a plurality of belts orother moving members 54. Moving members 54 operate to engage itemsdeposited into the transport section and to move deposited items inengagement therewith. The moving members are moved in response to one ormore drives schematically indicated 56. In the exemplary embodiment aninlet transport section 58 moves deposited items between upper and lowerbelt flights (see FIG. 5). Similarly, deposited items are also movedthrough an outlet transport section 60 in sandwiched relation betweenupper and lower belt flights. Between the inlet and outlet transportsections deposited items are moved past an analysis module 62. In theexemplary embodiment deposited items are moved adjacent to the analysismodule in engagement with moving members that act on the lower side ofthe deposited item. In this way the deposited item moves in closeproximity to the analysis module and in sandwiched relation between alower face 64 of the analysis module and the upper face of the movingmembers. Of course it should be understood that this configuration isexemplary. For example, in other embodiments additional analysis modulesmay be provided so that both sides of an item are analyzed. Analysismodules or discrete devices for activating indicia to facilitatesensing, as well as for sensing indicia on items, may be provided asnecessary to read indicia from items handled by the banking machine.

As represented in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the exemplary embodiment the depositaccepting apparatus is enabled to accept both relatively thin articlessuch as sheets as well as relatively thick items such as depositenvelopes. As shown in FIG. 7 thin articles such as checks or othersheets are moved through the transport section with the upper and lowermoving members in close proximity. In the exemplary embodiment, theupper portion of the transport section is movable relative to the lowersection and is biased adjacent thereto by gravity or other suitablebiasing mechanism. In this way a relatively thin deposited item isbiased to engage the moving members in the transport section. Relativelythin articles such as checks and other sheets are moved between theinlet 48 and the outlet 50 in the transport section with the transportin the configuration generally shown in FIG. 7. In this configurationthe moving members and analysis module in the upper portion of thetransport section are biased to maintain engagement with the sheet so asto enable selectively moving the sheet through the transport section.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the depositorymodule a single drive is used for moving the moving members in both theupper and lower transport sections. This is accomplished in theexemplary embodiment through use of a connecting gear train 66 whichserves as a transmission device which transmits movement between thelower belt flights and the upper belt flights. A connecting drive belt68 is used to transmit movement between the upper portions of the inletand outlet transport sections 58, 60 respectively. The connecting drivebelt extends adjacent to the analysis module 62. Of course this approachis exemplary and in other embodiments other arrangements of drives andtransmission devices may be used.

As represented in FIG. 8 when a relatively larger item is deposited intothe transport section, the upper and lower transport sections areenabled to separate to a degree sufficient to accommodate the thicknessof the particular item. The configuration of the gear train 66 enablesproviding moving force to the moving members in both upper and lowersections of the transport within a relatively wide range of thicknesses.The exemplary structure further enables each end of the transportsection to move both vertically and rotationally relative to one anotherwhile still continuing to reliably transport items therein. An inserteddeposited item overcomes the biasing force applied to the deposited itemby the transport sections to enable the item to move between the upperand lower moving members that bound the path 53 between the inlet 48 andoutlet 50. The biasing force further enables providing positiveengagement with the deposited item to reliably move the item along thepath. It should be understood however that this particular configurationfor the transport is exemplary and in other embodiments of the inventionother approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the inlet transport section 58 may beoperated responsive to the terminal processor as a variable forcedriving section. This is achieved through use of the mechanismschematically represented in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9 the inlettransport section includes moving members comprising one or more upperbelt flights 70 and one or more lower belt flights 72 in generallyopposed facing relation. The number of upper and lower belt flights willdepend on the particular configuration of the transport used. In certainembodiments the upper and lower belt flights may be in generally alignedfacing relation or may be transversely disposed from one another.

The upper belt flight 70 which serves as a moving member is supported onan upper roller 74. The lower belt flight 72 is supported on a lowerroller 76 which is generally disposed in opposed relation below roller74 and which serves as an opposed moving member. Upper roller 74 isjournaled on a supporting member 78. Supporting member 78 is supportedthrough and is rotatable about a pivot axis 79 which extends axiallythrough support shaft segments 80. An actuator 82 such as a solenoidselectively moves the supporting member between the position shown inFIG. 9 and the position shown in FIG. 10. This is done in response tooperation of the terminal processor 32 and enables the inlet transportsection to be selectively changed between a low drive position in whichlimited slip is provided between the belt flights 70 and 72 and adeposited item, and a high drive position in which generally no slipoccurs between the belt flights and the deposited item.

FIG. 9 shows the inlet transport section in the low drive position. Inthe exemplary embodiment roller 74 is supported through roller shaftsegments 84. Shaft segments 84 are journaled in and movable in elongatedU-shaped slots 86 in connection with supporting member 78. Each slot 86is bounded by a U-shaped bounding surface 87. The slots are generallyradially aligned relative to pivot 79. A biasing spring schematicallyindicated 85 or other appropriate biasing mechanism is provided forurging roller shaft segments 84 toward a downward position in the slot.

In the position shown in FIG. 9 an item such as a check which is engagedbetween the belt flights 70 and 72 is enabled to slip therein responsiveto the limited biasing force which acts to push roller 74 downwards.This results because roller shaft segments 84 move relatively readily onthe vertically extending portions of the bounding surface as the upwarddirected reaction force caused by the inserted item is resisted only bydownward biasing force. This enables for example, a user who is placinga check into the transport section to hold the check for a period oftime while it engages between the belt flights. The limited slipminimizes the risk that the check will be torn if the user does notrelease it promptly. Such limited slip engagement further enables acheck or other inserted item to move angularly relative to movementalong the direction of transport. This may occur for example by theengagement of an outward end of the item with a user's hand as the itemis pulled into the machine and/or by one or more surfaces bounding theopening in the machine through which the item passes.

Upon sensing with one or more appropriate sensors schematicallyindicated 89 that the check is moved sufficiently into the transportpath, the terminal processor is operative to move the actuator 82 toplace the inlet transport in the high drive position shown in FIG. 10. Aconnecting member 88 moves the supporting member 78 about support shaftsegments 80. This change in orientation of the slots increases thedownward biasing force applied by the roller 74 onto the deposited item.This results in the exemplary embodiment because the upwardly directedseparating force is now resisted by engagement of roller shaft segments84 with bounding surface 87. In addition the rotating shaft segments 84engage bounding surface 87 so that the roller shaft segments are furtherurged downward in the slot 86 towards an end portion 81 as shown in FIG.10. This causes the item to be more positively engaged between the beltflights and generally prevents slippage. This feature is useful as laterdiscussed in helping to measure the length of a deposited item forimaging purposes.

FIGS. 36 and 37 show an alternative form of an inlet transport sectiongenerally indicated 59. Inlet transport section 59 is generally similarto inlet transport section 58 except as described. Inlet transportsection 59 includes an upper roller 75 and a lower roller 77. In theexemplary embodiment the rollers have moveable members in the form ofbelt flights supported thereon. Of course it should be understood thatin other embodiments, other types of wheels, rollers or other movingmembers may be used.

Upper roller 75 is enabled to provide a variable slip driving forcethrough movement of a supporting member 83. Supporting member 83 issimilar in the exemplary embodiment to supporting member 78 and ismovable responsive to an actuator 91. The actuator 91 is operative toselectively change the orientation of the supporting member 83 toselectively change the degree of engagement between the belts moving onroller 75 and an item moving through the transport. A guide device 93 ispositioned in the inlet transport section 59. In the exemplaryembodiment guide device 93 includes a pair of moveable side rails 95.Side rails 95 are biased in a downward direction as shown in FIG. 37 bya spring mechanism 97. As indicated in FIGS. 36 and 37, the guide railsare tapered both vertically and transversely adjacent the end portionsthereof. This facilitates movement of documents adjacent to andunderneath the side rails and reduces the risk of items being caught onthe side rails.

As schematically represented in FIG. 37 in the exemplary embodiment theside rails 95 are operatively connected with the actuator 91 through aconnecting mechanism 99. The connecting mechanism operates such thatwhen the drive is operated such that there is more slip between themoving member and an inserted item, the side rails 95 are biased in adownward direction. In this condition the rails are biased toward thetransport path in which the document moves with a relatively greaterforce than when the drive is in greater positive engagement with thedocument. In this way the guide device 93 acts to position skewed orotherwise misaligned documents more readily relative to the transportpath when the drive is in limited slip engagement. This may help toposition the document rotationally or in alignment with the transportpath through engagement of the deposited item with at least one of theside rails. It should further be understood that the spring biasedcharacter of the alignment device, enables the device to engage an uppersurface of a document without causing damage thereto or preventingmovement of the document along the transport path in response to theurging of the moving members. It should be further noted that theconfiguration of the exemplary embodiment of the guide devicefacilitates aligning of documents in the transport path when documentsare moving either in the inward or the outward direction.

As can be seen from FIG. 37, when the connecting mechanism moves toplace the drive in a more positive engagement with the document, thedownward biasing force of the side rails is reduced. This is donebecause once the drive is more positively engaged with the depositeditem, the item is not as readily reoriented relative to the transportpath. It should be noted that although in FIG. 37 this is represented asbeing done using a cam and follower arrangement, in other embodimentsthe biasing force on the guide device may be changed through othermechanisms. In addition it should be understood that the mechanism shownis exemplary and in other embodiments the guide device may be moved awayfrom the deposited item rather than merely having the biasing forceacting on the item reduced.

In the operation of this exemplary embodiment of the invention, thedepository module in which the variable force inlet transport is usedaccepts both single sheet-like items as well as larger items such asdepository envelopes. In some other embodiments larger items consistingof multiple sheets such as passbooks may also be transported. In thisexemplary embodiment larger items are generally transported through theinlet transport section 59 without a need to engage the items morefirmly than is accomplished in the limited slip engagement condition ofthe transport. In such cases, the controller operating within thebanking machine, operates in accordance with its programming andresponsive to the at least one input by the user concerning the type ofitem being transported, to operate the inlet transport in the limitedslip configuration. The computer does not cause the transport to changeto the more positive engagement condition as such item passes through.In these circumstances the drive members as well as the guide device maybe biased away by the force of the item passing through the transport soas to enable the particular item to pass. Of course in some embodimentsif the item is sensed as hung up in the inlet transport, the controlleroperating the ATM may attempt to more positively engage the item so asto move it through the transport. For single sheet items, such as checksor other documents, the inlet transport section 59 may operate inresponse to one or more user inputs concerning the type of item beingdeposited, to initially provide more limited slip between the depositedsheet and the moving members. During this more limited slip conditionthe biasing force on the guide device acts to position the guide devicemore firmly in the transport path. This helps to align the document withthe transport path during the period of limited slip engagement.Thereafter after the deposited item has moved further into the transportpath, the supporting member 83 may be moved to provide a more positiveengagement. As this is done the force applied by the guide device 93 isreduced as the more positive engagement between the moving members andthe deposited item will tend to move the item in its then currentorientation. Of course it should be understood that the guide device andthe mechanism shown are exemplary and in other embodiments other typesof devices and mechanisms may be used equivalently to accomplish thedescribed functions. In other embodiments deposit accepting devices thatonly accept certain types of items that are of uniform thickness, suchas checks, may be used.

The exemplary embodiment further includes a deposit holding moduleschematically indicated 90 (see FIG. 4). In the exemplary embodiment thedeposit holding module includes a plurality of compartments which aremoved relative to the outlet 50 of the transport section to enable itemsto be passed from the transport section into a selected compartment. Thedeposit holding module includes a drive 92 which is part of atranslation mechanism 94 of the screw type. The translation mechanismoperates to move the compartments in a generally vertical directionrelative to the outlet 50 in the transport section. The deposit holdingmodule further includes a tamping member 96 which is movable in thecompartment and operates to tamp sheets held in a sheet holdingcompartment so as to reduce the volume of sheets held therein until theitems may be removed.

The operation of the deposit holding module 90 in connection with theexemplary embodiment is represented in FIGS. 11 through 16. As shown inFIG. 11 a sheet holding compartment 98 in the deposit accepting module90 is adapted for holding sheets 100 of one type such as cancelledchecks or other items accepted in the machine. The sheet holdingcompartment 98 includes an opening 102 in an upper area thereofgenerally indicated 103. Opening 102 may be selectively moved responsiveto signals from the terminal processor and operation of drive 92, to bein communication with outlet 50. The tamping member 96 may also beselectively moved upward such that a sheet leaving the transport sectionthrough the outlet such as sheet 104, may be passed into the sheetholding compartment 98.

When deposit envelopes are to be accepted, the controller responsive toat least one input through the user interface indicating an envelopedeposit, may operate the drive 92 to move the position of thecompartments within the deposit holding module so that an envelopeholding compartment 106 is placed in communication with the outlet 50 ofthe transport section. This is accomplished as represented in FIG. 12 bybringing an opening 108 to compartment 106 into alignment with theoutlet 50. This enables an envelope deposit such as an envelopeschematically represented 110 in FIG. 12 to be moved into the envelopeholding compartment 106.

It should be noted that the movement of the compartments relative to theoutlet enable selectively aligning the openings to the variouscompartments with the outlet from the transport. This minimizes theamount of handling and manipulation of the deposits that is necessary tomove them through the deposit accepting mechanism. This increasesreliability and speed of the exemplary embodiment. Further in theexemplary embodiment the controller is enabled to selectively move theposition of the tamping member 96 relative to the sheets in the sheetholding compartment 98. The tamping member is enabled to move about anon-fixed pivot 112 between positions such as those shown in FIGS. 11and 12. The ability to downward dispose the tamping member relative tothe sheet stack enables compressing the stack of sheets 100 that may bepresent in the sheet holding compartment so as to reduce their volume.This enables accepting sheets more reliably and holding more sheets inthe sheet holding compartment before the accumulated sheets need to beremoved. It should be noted that the movement of the tamping member 96is achieved through an operative interconnection with the translationmechanism which moves the compartments as shown in FIG. 4. Further thetamping member is connected to the body of the deposit holding devicethrough the nonfixed pivot connection so that the action of the tampingmember is enabled to accommodate various sized stacks of sheets withinthe sheet holding compartment.

FIG. 13 shows an opposite hand view of the sheet holding compartment 98and the tamping member 96. As shown in FIG. 13 the tamping member may bemoved upward to a position that enables sheets to enter the sheetholding compartment when the outlet of the transport section is movedadjacent to the opening to the sheet holding compartment. In theexemplary embodiment the tamping member is moved responsive to a movingmechanism indicated 101. The exemplary moving mechanism includes amember which engages an aperture in a wall member. The wall member inthe embodiment shown remains relatively stationary.

Vertical movement of the module 90 is operative to selectively move thetamping member. In the position shown in FIG. 13 in which an item may beaccepted into compartment 98, the tamping member is positioned so thatthe opening 102 is disposed between the tamping member and a closed endof the compartment generally indicated 105.

FIG. 14 shows a similar view of the sheet holding compartment with thetamping member moved downward toward closed end 105 so as to facilitatethe tamping of sheets which may be stored therein. An exemplaryembodiment further includes the capability for authorized personnel toremove accumulated sheets from the sheet holding compartment. As will beappreciated the deposit holding module is positioned within the interiorof the ATM 10. Preferably the interior of the ATM 10 includes a securestorage area or chest to which access is limited by a suitable lockingmechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,890 which is incorporated herein byreference, shows such a chest and locking mechanism. Only authorizedpersonnel are enabled to access this area through use of an appropriatecombination, key or other secure technique.

Authorized personnel who have gained access to the interior of the ATMchest are enabled to remove accumulated sheets from the sheet storagearea through an access opening. This is done in the exemplary embodimentby opening an access door 112 as represented in FIG. 15. In theexemplary embodiment the access door is on an opposed side of thecompartment from the inlet opening through which items enter thecompartment, but in other embodiments other arrangements may be used.Door 112 in some embodiments may have in connection therewith anadditional locking mechanism. Such locking mechanisms may include key,combination, electronic, biometric or other opening types. Alternativelyit may be sufficient to enable door 112 to be opened by a user who hasgained access to the interior of the machine. Alternatively embodimentsmay enable a user to operatively disengage the tamping member 96 fromthe mechanism which normally controls its movement and to allow thetamping member to be moved upwardly away from the sheet storagecompartment 98. This is represented in FIG. 16. Such upward movement mayenable an authorized user to gain access to the sheet holdingcompartment for purposes of removing sheets. In the embodiment shownboth the capability of opening a door 112 and moving the tamping memberto access accumulated sheets may be provided.

Likewise suitable mechanisms for accessing accumulated envelope depositsmay be provided. This may include for example access openings and/oraccess doors for accessing accumulated envelopes in the envelope holdingcompartment 106. Alternatively the envelope holding compartment may beprovided as a removable enclosure which may be removed entirely in alocked condition from the machine and replaced with a suitable emptydeposit holding container. Various approaches to removing depositeditems from various storage compartments may be used in alternativeembodiments.

In alternative embodiments provisions may be made for permanentlydefacing and/or destroying accepted items such as cancelled checks. Thismay be appropriate, for example, in situations where an electronic imageof the check has been captured and the electronic image serves as animage replacement document for the paper check. In such embodiments,after the check has been imaged either immediately or after a determinedholding period, the cancelled check may be suitably destroyed. Variousmethods for destruction may include, for example, shredding, chemicaltreatment, incineration or other approaches. Of course combinations ofsuch approaches may also be used. Further in some exemplary embodimentsprovision may be made to transfer the remnants of destroyed checks outof the housing of the banking machine and into a suitable wastereceptacle. Such a waste receptacle may be provided, for example, at therear of the machine or other location that can be connected to anopening from the machine. Thus for example in one exemplary embodimentchecks that have been imaged and cancelled may be treated with asuitable ink or other material to obliterate information on the check,and the check shredded by a suitable paper shredding mechanism.Thereafter the remnants of the check may be transported by rollers,belts, air pressure or other suitable means out through an opening ofthe machine into a waste receptacle. This exemplary approach enables themachine to run for an extended period of time without having to removecancelled checks from the interior of the housing. Of course it shouldbe understood that this approach is merely exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

Referring again to FIG. 4 the exemplary embodiment of the IDM 44includes a printing mechanism 114. Printing mechanism 114 which is shownin greater detail in FIGS. 17 and 18 is operative to enable printingindicia on deposited items responsive to control of the terminalprocessor. Such printing may be used in the exemplary embodiments toprint identifying indicia on deposited envelopes or documents.Alternatively such printing may be used to indicate the cancellation oracceptance of items placed into the machine by a user and which arestored in the machine or returned to the user from the machine. Itshould be understood that although in the exemplary embodiment theprinter is shown on a first side of the transport path, in otherembodiments the printer may be positioned on an opposed side of thetransport path. Alternatively printing devices of similar or differenttypes may be positioned on both sides of the transport path in someembodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment the printer 114 is operative to minimize therisk that the printer will snag or damage deposited items that are movedadjacent to the printer in the transport section 46. Printer 114includes a suitable print head 116. Print head 116 is directed towardsitems which may pass the printer mechanism in the transport section. Aregistration platen 118 is positioned in opposed relation of the printhead on the upper section of the transport. As schematicallyrepresented, a sensor 120 is positioned adjacent to the print head sothat the presence of deposited items adjacent thereto may be sensed.

In the exemplary form of the printer mechanism the print head 116 ismounted in supporting connection with a support plate 122. The supportplate is movably mounted relative to a frame of the IDM 44. An actuator124 is selectively operative responsive to signals from the terminalprocessor to move the support plate 122 and the print head 116selectively adjacent to or away from deposited items which move throughthe transport section. The actuator 124 accomplishes such movement ofthe print head by moving a bracket 126 in a generally horizontaldirection. Bracket 126 includes angled guide slots 128 therein. Pins 130extend in the angled slots and are operatively connected to supportplate 122. The movement of bracket 126 between the positions shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 are operative to cause the print head to move betweennonprinting and printing positions.

In the exemplary embodiment one or more sensors representedschematically as a sensor 120 are used to indicate to the terminalprocessor that the deposited item is moved adjacent to the printer. Theterminal processor operates to then move the printer into the printingposition at a time when the leading edge of the deposited item hasalready moved to a position beyond the print head 116. This reduces therisk that the deposited item will snag on the print head and will betorn or otherwise damaged by engagement therewith. It should beunderstood that printing may be conducted with the items moving throughthe transport section 46 in either direction adjacent to the print head.In this way indicia may be printed on deposited items as they moveeither toward or away from the deposit holding module. This enablesprinting on items which are either stored in the machine or which areaccepted, marked or otherwise printed upon and then returned to thecustomer. It should further be understood that the particularconfiguration of the printing mechanism is exemplary and in otherembodiments of the invention, other types of printing mechanisms may beused. For example in other embodiments ink jet printers, printerrollers, stamper type printers, transfers of printed labels or othertypes of devices which are operative to apply indicia to items (alltypes of which are referred to herein as printers) may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the analysis module 62 includes opticalscanning sensors schematically indicated 132 in FIG. 5. The analysismodule may serve as a check imaging device. Scanning sensors 132 areoperative to generate an image of documents that move adjacent to theanalysis module. In the exemplary embodiment the scanning sensors scangenerally the entire transverse path through which documents may travelin the transport section. The scanner in the described exemplaryembodiment generates radiation in the visible range and resolves imagesat approximately 240 dots per lineal inch. The scanning sensor is alsooperative to have a focal length which corresponds to the distance thatthe scanned documents are disposed from the surface of the sensor asthey pass the analysis module. In the exemplary embodiment the scanningsensor 132 has a focal length of about 4 millimeters. Of course in otherembodiments other types of scanning sensors may be used. Such othertypes of sensors may include emitters and sensors for sensing radiationat discrete frequencies in the visible or non-visible range. In additionmultiple sensor types may be used on one or both sides of documents.Various types of sensors may be used. The sensors of the exemplaryembodiment are operative to produce image data which is electronic datawhich corresponds to a full and/or partial image of one and/or bothsides of a check or other item.

The exemplary analysis module further includes magnetic sensing elements134. The magnetic sensing elements 134 are operative to sense themagnetic properties of documents which pass adjacent to the analysismodule. In the exemplary embodiment the magnetic sensing elements 132include a plurality of discrete transversely spaced magnetic sensors.The magnetic sensors generally each cover a relatively small portion ofthe overall transport width. The sensors are arranged in sufficientproximity so that substantially the entire transverse width of thedocument path is sensed. The analysis module further includes a magnet136. Magnet 136 may comprise a unitary or a plurality of permanent ortemporary magnets. In the exemplary embodiment permanent magnets areused. The permanent magnets operate to activate magnetic properties ofmagnetic inks on documents passing adjacent to the analysis module.These magnetic properties may then be more readily sensed by themagnetic sensing elements 134.

It should be understood that the particular sensors and devices inanalysis module 62 are exemplary. Other embodiments may include only anoptical scanner or magnetic sensing elements, or different or additionaltypes of scanning and sensing elements. For example embodiments mayinclude scanners for reading bar code or other types of optical indicia.Other embodiments may include devices for reading magnetic fluxreversals that may be encoded in a magnetic media. Some embodiments mayinclude read heads for reading micr data and/or other types of magneticcharacters. Other embodiments may include devices which are operative todetect the presence of holograms or to read non-visible radiation,fluorescent inks, or other types of coding. The particular activatingand sensing devices included in a particular analysis module will dependon the particular types of documents to be verified and analyzed throughoperation of the particular embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows schematically the relationship of the IDM 44 with exemplarysoftware components which operate in the terminal processor 32. Theterminal processor 32 has operating therein an operating system layerschematically indicated 138. The operating system layer 138 may includeoperating systems such as OS/2® from IBM, Windows NT® or Windows XP®from Microsoft, Linux or other suitable operating system. The operatingsystem communicates with a terminal control software layer 140. Theterminal control layer in the exemplary embodiment operates to controlnumerous aspects of the ATM functions including aspects of thetransaction function devices. As schematically represented in FIG. 3 theterminal control software sends messages to and receives messages fromdevices associated with the IDM 44. The messages are generally operativeto control mechanical components of the IDM as well as to receive inputsfrom sensors and other devices which operate in connection with thedeposit accepting function.

The exemplary software architecture also includes a recognitionsubsystem software layer 142. The recognition subsystem layer alsocommunicates with the operating system layer and the terminal controlsoftware layer to control and receive inputs from the IDM. Therecognition subsystem layer includes software which functions tocontrol, manipulate and analyze image data received from the IDM asschematically represented by image control component 144. Anothersoftware component of the exemplary recognition subsystem layeraccomplishes character recognition. This character recognition componentschematically represented 146 in the exemplary embodiment is operativeto identify micr coding and numerical characters. In the exemplaryembodiment the character recognition software includes software that iscommercially available from Carreker Corp. Other providers of characterrecognition software include Parascript, Mitek and A2iA. Of course othersuitable recognition software may be used. The recognition subsystem 142of the exemplary embodiment also includes a magnetic data controlcomponent schematically represented 145 that is operative to analyze andto manipulate data received from the magnetic sensing elements and tocheck for correlation between the magnetic data that is sensed and theoptical data which is obtained from the scanning activity. Of coursethese software functions are exemplary and these functions may beprogrammed differently and other or additional software components maybe included in other embodiments.

FIG. 19 shows the exemplary schematic components of the software ingreater detail. As can be appreciated the operating system 138 in theterminal processor is in operative connection with one or more datastore 34. The data store may include the information concerningprograms, transactions and other data or program logic which arenecessary to control the operation of the ATM. In addition the datastore includes the data used in connection with analyzing and verifyingdocuments. As later discussed the data store may also include image datacorresponding to the images of documents that have been accepted by thesystem. The software in connection with the exemplary terminal processoralso includes a communication subsystem layer 148. The communicationsubsystem layer enables communication between the various softwarecomponents of the system. The communication subsystem layer alsocommunicates with the various transaction function devices 36 throughappropriate interfaces or 5 drivers. In addition communication layer 148in the exemplary embodiment also enables communication throughappropriate interfaces 38 to one or more communications networks 40 andthe host computers 42 which are operatively connected thereto.

In the exemplary embodiment the IDM 44 includes an onboard computerprocessor which resides on a scanner card 150. The scanner card 150further receives and operates upon data from the optical scanningsensors 132 on the analysis module 62. The scanner card further hasincluded thereon a driver schematically indicated 152. The driver isoperative to communicate through a scanner interface 154 with theoperating system 138 and the data store 134. The driver 152 is alsooperative to control the scanning activity which is carried out by thescanner card 150. In the exemplary embodiment the driver is alsooperative to control the allocation of memory for use in the scanneroperation. This assures that adequate memory is available in RAM tocarry out the capture, storage and analysis of the scanning data asrequired to analyze and authenticate documents which may be input in themachine.

As represented in FIG. 20 in the exemplary embodiment, when a documentis to be scanned the terminal control software 140 causes the particulardocument to be moved as desired in the IDM 44. This is done bycontrolling the various devices which sense and move documents in andthrough the module. The terminal control software 140 operates inconjunction with the recognition subsystem 142 which provideinstructions to the scanner card 150 to scan documents using the opticalscanning sensors 132 during the appropriate time periods. The data fromthe scanning process and magnetic sensing operations is returned throughthe operating system to memory. The data is then recovered from memoryand manipulated responsive to the image control and characterrecognition features of the recognition subsystem 142. The results ofthe manipulation and analysis of the scanned data is then communicatedthrough the terminal control layer to a remote host 42. This is done inthis exemplary embodiment using transaction request and authorizationmessages of a type that can be handled within the framework of ATMtransaction processing systems. However it should be understood that inother embodiments of the invention other approaches to authenticatingdocuments, verifying transactions and communicating with remotecomputers may be used.

The operation of exemplary embodiments will now be explained withreference to some exemplary deposit transactions. A first deposittransaction to be described will be the deposit of an envelope typedeposit into the ATM 10. This is accomplished through the execution ofthe logic flow which is represented in FIG. 29.

In this exemplary transaction the ATM first acts to receive identifyingdata from the customer. This may include for example the input of anarticle such as a credit card which is read by a card reader in themachine. Such cards commonly include information such as a user's nameand/or primary account number (“PAN”). This primary account numberincludes data which can be used to identify the user and/or the user'sinstitution and account number. Further when the user is operating theATM with a debit card the user is required to input further identifyingdata to verify that the user is authorized to access the account.Usually this verifying input includes a personal identification number(“PIN”). The PIN may be input through an input device such as a keypad.In alternative embodiments other types of identifying data may be input.This data may include for example biometric data such as iris scans,retina scans, thumbprints, facial features, voice prints or otherfeatures of a user or an article carried by the user that providesidentifying data.

At the second step in the logic flow of the exemplary embodiment, themachine operates to receive from the user at least one input whichcorresponds to the transaction type that the user desires to conduct.Often this is done in response to the terminal processor presenting theuser with an output on the display which corresponds to varioustransaction options. The user is then enabled to select a transaction byproviding an input through one or more buttons or other input devices.In this example the user will indicate that the transaction type to beconducted is an envelope type deposit.

In a third step the ATM is operated to receive from the user an inputamount that is associated with the deposit transaction. Generally thiswill be provided as an input in numeric form to a keypad or other inputdevice on the machine. This numeric input which may be provided inresponse to a prompt on a display screen or other output device, willgenerally correspond to the value of the funds or other items includedin the envelope deposit.

The terminal processor operating the ATM acts in a fourth step to causean authorization request to be sent to the remote host computer. Thisauthorization request in the exemplary embodiment includes datarepresentative of the identifying data, the transaction type and theamount involved. This authorization request is sent through one or morenetworks to the appropriate host computer which may authorize thetransaction. The host computer then operates in response to theauthorization request to determine if the identifying data validlycorresponds to an authorized user and/or account. The host computer alsodetermines if the customer is authorized to conduct the requestedtransaction. The host computer then operates to formulate a transactionresponse which is sent from the network back to the ATM.

The ATM receives the response from the host computer at a fifth step. Ifthe transaction is not authorized the instruction data included in theresponse message operates to cause the ATM to advise the customer thatthe transaction cannot be performed, and then the terminal processorperforms steps to close the transaction. In this example it will bepresumed that the response message returned includes instruction dataindicating that the transaction is authorized and may proceed. Inresponse to receiving the response message indicating that thetransaction may go forward, the terminal processor operates inaccordance with its programming to execute the steps necessary to causethe ATM to accept the envelope deposit. In a sixth transaction step theterminal processor is operative to cause the gate 52 to open at theinlet 48 to the transport section 46. This enables the user to accessthe transport section.

In a seventh step the terminal processor is operative to cause thedeposit holding module 70 to move so that the envelope holdingcompartment 106 is in alignment with the outlet 50 of the transportsection 46. The terminal processor is then operative to run thetransport of the IDM 44 such that the envelope may be accepted therein.As previously explained sensors may be provided adjacent to the inlet tothe transport such that the inlet transport section 58 provides limitedslip engagement initially with the deposited envelope. Upon sensing thatthe envelope is entered further so that the envelope is substantiallywithin the transport, the terminal processor may be operative to causethe envelope to be engaged more firmly with the moving members of thetransport. Alternatively the envelope may be fully transported inlimited slip mode.

The envelope is then moved between the moving members of a transportpast the analysis module 62. In response to the at least one customerinput which indicates that an envelope type item is being deposited theterminal processor of the exemplary embodiment does not operate theanalysis module to read indicia on the envelope. The terminal processoroperates in accordance with its programming to formulate the indiciacomprising characters or other identifying data that will be printed onthe deposited envelope. This identifying data may be human languagecharacters or other data or character sets which are sufficient toidentify the deposit as associated with a particular transaction or theuser at the time of verifying the contents of the envelope. This datamay be derived from customer inputs, the ATM, the host computer, orcombinations thereof. It should be understood that characters as usedherein is synonymous with digits, numerals, letters and other types ofinterpretable indicia.

In a ninth step the envelope is sensed as in a position where it isadjacent to the printer mechanism 114. In the exemplary embodiment theterminal processor operates in response to signals from sensor 120 thatindicate that the leading edge of the envelope has passed the print headand will not be caught thereon if the print head moves to the printposition. Upon sensing the envelope in the ninth step the terminalprocessor causes the printer to move into position adjacent the envelopeand to print the identifying data on the envelope. The terminalprocessor continues to run the moving members in the transport until theenvelope is sensed by appropriate sensors as having passed into theenvelope compartment.

The terminal processor then operates in accordance with its programmingto cause a transaction receipt to be printed and presented to thecustomer. The terminal processor in this exemplary transaction thenoperates in a next step to provide an output screen to prompt the userto indicate whether they wish to conduct a further transaction. Forpurposes of this example it will be presumed that the user declines sucha further transaction.

In a fourteenth step the terminal processor operates in response to theuser input declining further transactions to close the transaction. Thismay include for example returning the customer's card, presenting a“thank you” screen, storing a record of the transaction in memory anddoing other things necessary to complete this transaction and to readythe machine to conduct another transaction. The terminal processor alsooperates in a fifteenth step to formulate and send a completion messageto the host computer. The completion message preferably indicateswhether the requested transaction was carried out successfully by themachine. The host computer in response will operate to include a recordin an associated data store that the customer has made a deposit in aparticular amount. Generally however such a deposit will not be creditedto a user's account until the content of the envelope is verified. Ofcourse this depends on the particular institution and their policies andpractices.

The operation of the ATM 10 will now be described with reference to anexemplary transaction involving the deposit of a check or similarinstrument. In this transaction the logic flow described in connectionwith FIGS. 30 through 33 is carried out.

In a first step shown in FIG. 30 the ATM operates to receive identifyingdata from the user in the manner previously discussed. In a second stepthe user identifies the particular transaction type to be associatedwith the transaction. In this case the user may indicate that they aredepositing a check or alternatively that they are cashing a check orother document. Because both types of transactions are related, theywill be described in connection with the exemplary logic flow as thoughthe user had selected the option of cashing a particular check. Itshould be understood however that generally a user will be electingeither to apply the amount of the deposited check to their account, orto cash the check.

At a third step in the transaction flow shown in FIG. 30 the userprovides inputs corresponding to the amount associated with thetransaction they wish to conduct. As optionally indicated in the fourthstep, the institution operating the ATM machine may charge a checkcashing fee or similar fee for the convenience of cashing the check. Ifthis is the case, an appropriate message will be output to the userthrough the display of the ATM. The user may be requested to provide aninput to indicate their acceptance of the transaction fee. If the userindicates that they do not wish to accept the fee or the user does notprovide an input within a predetermined time period, the terminalprocessor may operate to close the transaction and return the machine toa ready state to conduct a transaction for another user. For purposes ofthis example it will be presumed that the user has indicated that theywish to proceed with the transaction.

In response to these inputs the terminal processor operates inaccordance with its programming to open the gate 52 adjacent the openingto the transport section 46 of the IDM 44. The terminal processor alsooperates as indicated a sixth step to move the depository holding module90 to a position in which an appropriate check holding compartment is incommunication with the outlet 50 of the transport section.

The terminal processor next operates to cause the running of the movingmembers in the transport section to receive the document therein. Asrepresented in FIG. 26 entry sensors 156 operate to sense an item, whichin this case is check 158 entering the transport section. The sensing ofthe entered item by sensors 156 may be operative as previously discussedto cause the inlet transport section 58 to first run in a mannerproviding limited slip. Thereafter when the item has cleared the entrysensors 156 or otherwise moved further or substantially into thetransport, the moving members more firmly engage the deposited item. Ascan be appreciated during the time of limited slip, the item may moveangularly relative to the direction of movement longitudinally along thetransport path as the result of the user holding the item or due to theguiding action of the walls bounding the opening or other guide devicestructure.

As represented in FIG. 26 the exemplary embodiment includes at least onethroat sensor 160 adjacent to the analysis module 62. The terminalprocessor is operative in a ninth step to measure the document length.This is done for example based on the transport speed and the time thatthe document takes to pass the throat sensor 160. Because in theexemplary embodiment it can be assumed that generally no slippage of thedocument occurs after it has firmly engaged the transport, the time thatthe document blocks the throat sensor generally provides a relativelyaccurate indication of document length. Of course in other embodimentsequivalent mechanisms such as encoders on driving members or otherdevices may be used. The document length is calculated in the exemplaryembodiment by the terminal control software. It should be understoodhowever that this technique is exemplary and in other embodiments of theinvention other approaches may be used.

As schematically represented in FIG. 21, during the step of measuringthe document, the document is moved past the analysis module 62 to aposition intermediate of the analysis module and the deposit holdingmodule. This position of document 158 is represented in FIG. 22. Thedocument at this point is in a “ready to scan” position. The terminalprocessor next operates in accordance with the eleventh step in FIG. 30to move the document in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 22. Thedocument is then moved past the optical and magnetic sensors in theanalysis module 62 as represented in FIG. 23. As the document moves pastthe analysis module, the terminal control software and recognitionsubsystem software gather the image and profile data that is used toanalyze and/or produce an electronic image of the document. As the check158 passes the magnet 136 the magnetic ink thereon is magnetized. Thismagnetized ink is then sensed by the magnetic sensors 134 which providea profile of the area in which magnetic ink is present. This isrepresented in greater detail in FIGS. 27 and 28. For example in theexemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 27, check 158 includes a line 162of micr coding. This line of micr coding (alternatively referred toherein as the micr line) causes signals to be produced by the magneticsensing elements 134 as the characters pass such sensors. As representedin FIG. 27 document 158 may be skewed relative to the transport sectionthrough which it passes. However regardless of whether the document isstraight or skewed it will produce a magnetic profile.

A magnetic profile associated with the document is indicative that thedocument is genuine. This is because photocopies or other simulatedchecks generally would not include magnetic coding. Thus the sensing ofany magnetic coding on the document by the analysis module suggests thatthe document that has been inserted is a genuine check. However as laterdiscussed alternative embodiments may include approaches for reducingthe risk that the check is a forgery that has been produced usingmagnetic inks.

FIG. 28 indicates specifically the magnetic profile sensed as thedocument passes the magnetic sensors. This magnetic profile indicated164 includes data which indicates the magnetic areas on the check. Thismagnetic profile is correlated in the exemplary embodiment by therecognition subsystem with the optical profile to further verify thatthe check is genuine. Of course this technique is exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

As also represented in FIG. 23 movement of the document past thescanning sensors 132 causes data to be produced which is indicative ofthe optical characteristics of the document passing in the transportsection. This optical data comprises an electronic image of the checkthat is captured through operation of the scanner card and included inthe data store associated with the ATM. The scanning processis-continued as the check 158 moves past the analysis module 162 asshown in FIG. 4.

As indicated by the twelfth step in the logic flow in FIG. 30 theterminal processor next operates to apply the rules which are associatedwith the programs stored in memory concerning the particular type ofdocument associated with the transaction. Generally at least one inputby the customer indicating that they are making a check deposit may becorrelated with certain stored data or rules which indicate theparticular characteristics of the document that is to be received. Insome cases the inputs may correspond to a particular sized document.Alternatively the rules may correspond to particular configurations orother characteristics. In this example the rules stored in memory arealso indicative of “windows” or particular areas in the documentlandscape in which data which should be analyzed on the document may befound.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment which operates to analyzecheck 158, the terminal processor operates in accordance with theapplicable rules recovered from memory as associated with a checkdeposit to deskew the data corresponding to the image and place it inregistration with an imposed coordinate system. This is done in theexemplary embodiment through use of a programmed series of steps whichfinds the boundaries of the image data. This is done by comparing thepixels which make up the image and generating at least two of the lineswhich bound the document. By identifying these lines, one or morecorners of the document may be identified. This process is representedin FIG. 34 by the skewed profile of check 158 which is shown in solidlines.

In the exemplary embodiment, after finding the two leading corners ofthe document 166 and 168 and the most closely adjacent trailing cornerto a “x” coordinate 170, the terminal processor operates in accordancewith its programming to adjust the data corresponding to the image. Theexemplary terminal processor first operates to adjust the image byrotating the image data about corner 168. This causes the image to be“squared up” relative to the imposed coordinate system as represented bya phantom image 172. The computer next operates to shift the squared upimage data to a reference point of the coordinate system. This shiftingplaces the leading corner 168 at the origin of the imposed x and ycoordinate system. The leading corner 166 is placed along the “y” axiswhile the trailing corner 170 is placed along the x axis. It should beunderstood that all of the pixels which make up the image data arecorrespondingly adjusted through this process to produce the shiftedimage 174 which is shown in phantom in FIG. 34.

As represented by the fourteenth step shown in FIG. 31 the terminalprocessor next operates in accordance with its programming to applytemplate logic to the shifted image 174. The computer operates torecover from memory, data corresponding to at least one selectedtemplate. In exemplary embodiments a plurality of templates may bestored in memory and the selected one is recovered responsive tocustomer inputs to the machine, indicia read from the document or otherdata. In this step the computer operates to apply a template over theshifted image to identify for analysis “windows” within the image thatcontain data that is of interest. This is represented schematically inFIG. 35. In FIG. 35 a template is schematically indicated 176. Template176 includes a first window 178 which generally corresponds to an areain which a micr line on a check may be located. Template 176 furtherincludes a second window 180. Window 180 corresponds to an area of thelandscape on the check where a courtesy amount which represents thevalue of the deposited check may be located. It should be understoodthat these windows are exemplary and in other embodiments other oradditional windows may be included. Such windows may include, forexample, a window for the so called legal amount which is the written ortyped amount of the check. A window may also be provided for an “amountnot to exceed” indicator, date, payee name, payor name or otherinformation that appears on the check. It should further be understoodthat these processes for identifying windowed areas within shifted dataare carried out through operation of the computer processor and therecognition subsystem software and that these graphic representationsshown in the Figures merely serve to explain the nature of an exemplaryform of the analysis that is carried out.

As represented in a fifteenth step shown in FIG. 41 the computeroperates to analyze the data in the window of the template whichcorresponds to the potential location of the micr line. This isaccomplished by the image control component 144 of the softwareanalyzing data from the data store. It should be understood that thedata within the particular window may or may not correspond to the micrline depending on the orientation of the document as well as whether thedocument itself is valid.

The computer then operates in accordance with a sixteenth steprepresented in FIG. 31 to pass the data extracted from the window 178.This character recognition software component is operative to apply thelogic used for optically reading micr symbols. In the exemplaryembodiment this is a logic associated with reading e-13B typecharacters. The character recognition software component 146 isoperative to analyze the data and make evaluations in looking for knowncharacters of the particular type. In the exemplary embodiment thecharacters represented which are resolved are processed to derive ASCIIvalues corresponding to the characters.

In a next step as represented in FIG. 31, recognition subsystem 142 isoperative to check the returned data for the presence of particularcharacters, in this case routing and transfer characters. Generallyvalid micr line data will include such characters and the detectedpresence thereof in the data analysis is an indicator that the micr linedata has been properly found and read.

At a nineteenth step shown in FIG. 31 the recognition subsystem software142 operates to determine if the degree of assurance or confidence asindicated by the character recognition component for the valuesreturned, is above a threshold. The determination of the level ofassurance is based on one or more values delivered by the patternrecognition algorithms in the character recognition software componentused in the exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment thethreshold is generally set at about a 70 percent assurance level. Asindicated in FIG. 31 the computer operates in response to itsprogramming to proceed based on whether the level of assurance is at orabove, or below the threshold.

As indicated in FIG. 31 if the level of assurance in the determined micrvalues is indicated as below the threshold and/or if routing andtransfer characters are not found, the recognition subsystem throughoperation of the image control software component, operates to furthermanipulate the image. In the exemplary transaction the computer operatesto manipulate the data to essentially transpose and flip the image 180degrees and to again read the data in the micr line window. It should beunderstood that in other embodiments the data corresponding to the imagemay be manipulated in other ways in order to attempt to translate theimage so as to find appropriate data.

As indicated in the twenty-first step in FIG. 31 the translated imagedata now in the window 178 is again read and passed to the characterrecognition software component 146. This again causes the output ofASCII values based on the characters in the window. As indicated in thetwenty-fourth step these values are then checked for the presence ofrouting and transfer values. As indicated in step twenty-five in FIG.31, if the micr values-read have an associated level of assurance at orabove the threshold and routing and transfer characters are present therecognition subsystem is operative to proceed with further analysis ofthe image. However if the level of assurance remains below the thresholdand/or there are no routing or transfer characters, this may be anindication that the document is not valid. In some embodiments the ATMmay operate to further transpose the data and conduct additionalanalysis. This may be particularly appropriate in situations where bothsides of the document are being scanned and the document may be indifferent orientations. In this case the terminal processor causes theATM to operate to return the document to the customer and to close thetransaction.

As represented in the logic flow which continues in FIG. 32, if thecharacters in the micr window are read with a level of assurance that isat or above the threshold and the routing and transfer characters arepresent, the terminal processor next operates to cause the courtesyamount data in the window 180 to be read. In the exemplary embodimentthe recognition subsystem operates in response to landmark rulesassociated in memory with the document type to assist the analysis infinding the courtesy amount within the window. These techniques mayinclude for example in the reading of a check, looking for the box orline on which the courtesy amount is written. In this case the value isa monetary amount. The amount may be printed or cursive characters. Itmay also look for known characters such as the dollar sign, the fractionsign, decimal point or star characters which are commonly included inprinted checks to indicate places before the dollar amount. Of course itshould be understood that the particular templates and landmark rulesused will depend on the programming of the machine and the type ofdocument involved. The machine may have access to stored datacorresponding to a plurality of templates and/or rules, and may applythem to documents based on data derived from customer inputs, thedocument, memory data or combinations thereof.

As represented in a twenty-eighth step in FIG. 32 the terminal processorfurther operates responsive to the recognition subsystem to binarize thedata in the courtesy amount window which essentially can be thought ofas reducing the sensed data to black and white. This further assists inidentifying the characters. The character recognition component 146 thenapplies its logic in looking for U.S. dollar type or other appropriatenumerical characters within the data, and as represented in atwenty-ninth step in FIG. 32, the recognition subsystem outputs andASCII values indicative of the courtesy amount. In some embodiments thelevel of assurance associated with the courtesy amount is also analyzedto determine if it is above a threshold to verify that the amount hasbeen accurately read. Alternatively, or in addition, the derivedcourtesy amount may be compared to the data input by the customerconcerning the amount of the check. In alternative embodiments thecharacter recognition subsystem may operate to read the characters inthe legal amount field and compare the legal amount to the courtesyamount. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments the micr linemay include indicia representative of the amount of the check or anamount which the check is not permitted to exceed. In such cases theencoded micr data or the values to which it corresponds may be comparedto the courtesy and/or legal amounts. Further in some embodiments thecheck may include a field that indicates a value which a check is not toexceed. This value may be read and compared through operation of one ormore computers to the amount data found in the courtesy amount, legalamount, or micr line. Such comparisons may enable the machine toidentify situations where the amount data is not consistent, which isindicative of an inability to properly read that check, and/or anunauthorized modification of the check data. If there is a discrepancyand/or the level of assurance is below the threshold the check may bereturned and the transaction closed.

The exemplary recognition subsystem further operates in accordance withthe thirtieth step represented in FIG. 32 to check for the presence ofmagnetic ink on the document in the proper location. This is done in theexemplary embodiments by component 145 determining the length andconfiguration of the magnetic profile associated with the document. Thislength and orientation data may be normalized in the manner of the imagedata based on the imposed coordinate system, and compared therewith toverify that the magnetic areas correspond to the optical datacorresponding characters in the micr line. In addition certain documentsmay also include magnetic characters in other areas of the document.These other characters which may not necessarily be included within theoptically analyzed data, may be further checked to provide an indicationof the genuineness of the document. Of course in alternative embodimentsas previously discussed, the mere presence of magnetic ink on thedocument may serve as a sufficient indication that the document isgenuine.

In some alternative embodiments at least one computer in the automatedbanking machine may be operative to further verify the genuineness of acheck presented to the machine by looking for evidence of magneticindicia within the image data corresponding to the check in appropriateplaces or locations which suggest that the check may have been producedfraudulently. In such embodiments the computer may be operative to lookfor evidence of magnetic ink within preprinted fields of one or moretemplates which would normally not include magnetic indicia. Thepresence of magnetic indicia in one or more of these fields may beindicative that the check may have been printed by a forger with aprinter that prints in magnetic ink. This may be indicated, for example,by the data in a maker field, date field, maker signature line or otherareas being presented in magnetic ink when no magnetic ink wouldnormally be found in such areas. In some embodiments, for example, therecognition subsystem or other computer in connection with the machinemay be operative to first locate the micr line within the image data inthe manner previously discussed. Thereafter, the system may operate todisregard the magnetic indicia in the micr line and analyze othermagnetic indicia and/or its location relative to the image data. Basedon programmed parameters such as, for example, finding magnetic indiciain other printing on the check may cause the machine to identify thecheck as a potential forgery. In such circumstances the check will notbe cashed by the machine. The check may be returned to the user oralternatively retained in the machine as a precaution to prevent thecheck being passed in another location. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As indicated in the thirtieth step of the exemplary embodimentrepresented in FIG. 32, if the magnetic data sensed does not properlycorrespond to the document the terminal processor operates to identifythe document as suspect. The terminal processor then operates to returnthe document to the customer and to close the transaction. However, ifthe document has an appropriate magnetic profile the terminal processornext moves to a step 31.

In the thirty-first step the terminal processor operates to configureand send an authorization message through the network to the host. Thisauthorization message will generally include the data appropriatelynecessary in an ATM transaction message for purposes of authorizing thetransaction. Such data may include customer identifying data such as PANand PIN related data, the transaction type and the amount input. Inaddition the transaction data may include data derived from thedocument, such as data representative of the data corresponding to thecharacters in the micr line as well as the courtesy amount read from thecheck as determined by the recognition subsystem.

It should be appreciated that providing the data read from the check innumerical or other compatible format as part of an authorization messageis useful for facilitating processing of the data in some systemscompared to transmitting an entire image of a check to a host computerfor analysis and authorization. In exemplary embodiments the check datamay be included in a field in a Diebold 91x type transaction message orin a selected field in an ISO 8583 message. A host computer may readilydetermine the data included in such messages and analyze it for purposesof deciding whether or not to authorize the transaction.

In this exemplary transaction when the host receives the request messagefrom the ATM, it operates to determine if the customer data correspondsto an authorized user as well as whether the user is authorized toconduct the transaction requested. The operator of the host computer mayalso be enabled to apply certain rules, including preventing particularusers from cashing checks or limiting the amount of the deposited checkwhich can be cashed. Various types of rules may be selectively applieddepending on the particular user and the amount of the check. Inaddition the host computer may also analyze the account data on thecheck. This may include for example communicating with other systems ordata stores to determine if the account upon which the check is drawn isvalid and/or holds sufficient funds as represented by the courtesyamount on the check. The computer may also compare certain data such asthe courtesy amount read, to data input by the customer concerning thevalue of the check. The computer may also compare data corresponding tothe legal amount read from the check to the courtesy or amount or othermonetary amount data based on the micr line or a maximum amount printedon the check. The computer may also analyze aspects of the data such asthe institution or the location thereof, upon which the check is drawnfor purposes of applying its programmed business rules and logic and indeciding whether to allow the user to deposit or cash the check. Ofcourse in some embodiments business rules may be applied by the one ormore computers operating in the ATM as well as through the operation ofone or more remote host computers.

In accordance with its rules and logic the host in the exemplaryembodiment returns a response message to the ATM. This is represented bya step 32. For purposes of this example it will be presumed that theuser is authorized to deposit or cash the check. Of course if the checkis not authorized to be deposited or cashed the response messageincludes data indicative thereof. The ATM will operate under control ofthe terminal processor in response to data indicative that thetransaction is not authorized to return the check to the user and toclose the transaction. Alternatively, if the check appears to befraudulent, the ATM may capture and store the check.

As indicated by the thirty-third step in the exemplary embodiment theATM operates in accordance with its programming to display a graphicimage of the check deposited on its display 22. The terminal processoralso operates in a thirty-fourth step in the sequence to store a copy ofthe image file in a data store at the ATM. In some embodiments thisimage file may be later recovered for purposes of tracking anddocumentation. Such image files may be compressed for purposes of savingstorage space. In one exemplary embodiment the graphic image of thecheck is stored in memory as a PCX file. In other embodiments the imagefile may also be accessed from or downloaded to remote computersconnected to the system. As previously discussed, such remote computersmay be operative to process the check and to carry out settlementrelated thereto, using the electronic image document as a substitute forthe paper check.

The computer next operates in accordance with a thirty-fifth step toprint a receipt for the customer. In the exemplary embodiment because agraphic image of the check is available within the ATM, a graphicrepresentation of the check may be included on the receipt provided tothe customer. In addition the terminal may operate to print a similargraphic image on a journal printer or in other hard storage within themachine. Alternatively or in addition, in machines including a camera orother image capture device, an image of the user may be stored and/orprinted in correlated relation with the check data, including on thereceipt, on the check and/or on a journal.

After printing the receipt the ATM next operates under control of theterminal processor to cancel and store the check. This is representedgraphically in FIG. 24. As indicated by the thirty-sixth step in thesequence, the computer causes the transport section to again move check158 in the direction of the arrow. The check is moved towards thedeposit holding module. In addition the terminal processor operates toalign the appropriate document compartment so that its opening is incommunication with the outlet of the transport section.

As indicated in a thirty-seventh step the check 158 is moved until it issensed adjacent to the printer mechanism 114. Upon sensing the checkadjacent to the printer the terminal processor operates to printcancellation data on the check. This cancellation data is printed on thecheck as it moves in the transport. This may include for exampleinformation about the user and/or the transaction, including images. Asindicated in a thirty-ninth step in the sequence, the transportcontinues to move the check until it is sensed as having passed into thestorage compartment. Such activity may be sensed through sensors similarto those previously discussed positioned adjacent to the outlet 50 ofthe transport. This is schematically represented by sensors 182 shown inFIG. 26.

After moving the check into the document storage compartment theterminal processor operates the translation mechanism 94 associated withthe deposit holding module to tamp the documents in storage. This isaccomplished as indicated by the fortieth step by moving the tampingmember 96 downward. This serves to assure that the documents in storageare compacted to the extent possible and assures that a larger number ofdocuments may be accepted before the need for removal of documents fromthe storage compartment.

In some embodiments, the terminal may operate in accordance with itsprogrammed instructions to provide the user with an output asking ifthey have further checks to deposit. The user may respond with at leastone input, and if so a portion of the transaction sequence can berepeated beginning with step 2 in the transaction sequence for example,to accept another check or other document. In such situations the valueof the further check or other document may be added to the value of theprior items. In some embodiments items which are deposited may havedifferent properties. For example, in some embodiments the machine mayaccept items that do not include magnetic coding. Such items may includeother features such as verification codes, symbols or characters thatare a function of other values or indicia on the items. Such items mayinclude for example vouchers issued by the machine for a differencebetween an amount the user was entitled to receive and the value of cashdispensed that could not be dispensed in prior transactions. The machinein such embodiments is operative responsive to its programming to adjustthe verification sequence to suit the particular document type beingreceived. The particular document type being received may be based onthe at least one input to the machine in the second step, indicia readfrom the document type, and/or other inputs or data.

In embodiments where a plurality of types of documents are accepted, themachine may operate in accordance with its programming to conduct ananalysis of the indicia on the document that is appropriate to verifythe particular document type. The document storage module may alsoinclude compartments for each type of item that is to be accepted. Inthis way different item types may be segregated to facilitate removaland sorting.

In some embodiments the receipt of successive documents from one usermay continue for a plurality of checks, vouchers or other type items. Ifthe items are verifiable as genuine by the machine and redeemable forcash or credit, the machine may operate to aggregate the value of allsuch items. The transaction sequence may continue to repeat based oninstructions and inputs to the machine in the transaction sequence. Itshould be understood that for purposes of the exemplary transactionsequence there has been only one item deposited, and only one exemplarytype analysis of a document which is a check has been described.

As indicated in the forty-first step if the customer has requested adeposit only transaction during the transaction selection step, theterminal processor causes the machine to go to the forty-fifth step inthe transaction sequence. However if the customer has requested todispense cash based on the value of a cashed check, the logic moves tothe forty-second step. If the dispense transaction has been authorized,the terminal processor operates the cash dispenser to dispense an amountof cash. In some embodiments the amount of cash which may be dispensedmay correspond exactly to the amount of the check (less transaction feesin some cases) that has been presented by the customer. This may be donefor example in an ATM which includes a cash dispenser with coindispensing capability. However in many embodiments the ATM may becapable of dispensing only certain denominations of currency. This maypreclude the customer from receiving the exact amount of change to whichthey are entitled.

In circumstances where the customer cannot receive exact change thecomputer may operate to cause a voucher to be printed for the customer.The voucher may include for example a printed coupon or other item thatcan be redeemed for the amount of the change. This may include forexample a coupon redeemable with a merchant for cash and/or services ormerchandise. The user may be prompted through operation of the computerto provide at least one input which serves to select from severalpossible merchants from whom available vouchers are redeemable and inresponse to the user making a selection of a merchant the voucher isprinted with the corresponding merchant name and amount. The system maythen operate to provide a credit to the account of the merchant for theamount of the voucher. Such a voucher may include an image of the userfor purposes of verification that the person presenting the item is theauthorized person.

Alternatively the computer may operate to print and provide a check orother type negotiable instrument to the user. This negotiable instrumentmay be cashed like a check at the machine or at another location by theuser. Such an instrument may be input by the customer to the machine ina subsequent transaction. For example the machine may operate in thesubsequent transaction as previously discussed to accept several checksincluding the negotiable instrument previously dispensed. The user mayelect to cash the amount of these checks or have them credited to anaccount.

The machine may include among its transaction function devices check orvoucher printer devices. These printer devices may be supplied with astock of check media with magnetic coding that may be similar to othertypes of checks. The coding may correspond to the account of theoperator of the machine or other entity whose account is to be chargedfor the amount of change received by a machine user. In such embodimentsthe check is completed by a printing device with the amount of changefor which the check may be redeemed. The check may be printed by themachine with the user's name as payee based on the transaction datareceived, or alternatively made out to cash. Images of the user may beprinted on the check for authorization purposes as previously discussed.

The check once completed with the appropriate data and/or images may bedispensed from the machine to the user. The user may cash the check atthe machine on the current session or in a subsequent transactionsession, or at another location that accepts checks. In some embodimentsthe check stock provided in the machine may prominently display astatement of maximum value above which a check would not be valid. Thismay be for example, the smallest denomination currency bill dispensed bythe machine. For example if the lowest denomination bill that themachine dispenses is a one dollar bill, the value of change would alwaysbe generally less than one dollar, and the statement of maximum value ofone dollar which would conspicuously indicate to anyone redeeming thecheck that if it is above this amount it has been tampered with. Ofcourse the maximum amount may vary depending on the machine and itscapabilities. Also having such limited value checks in the machinereduces the risk to the machine operator in the event the machine isbroken into and the check stock is otherwise stolen. Alternatively themaximum value statement on the check may in some embodiments be printedby the machine itself.

Checks issued by the machine on check stock may include micr coding.Such checks may be verified by the machine in the same manner as otherchecks. Alternatively the machine may include a transaction functiondevice which provides vouchers, scrip or coupon material that isredeemable for cash, credit, services and/or merchandise. In someembodiments such items, which will be referred to as a voucher forpurposes of brevity, may have unique indicia or characteristics that areindicative of authenticity. Such indicia or characteristics may includeindicia readable by the machine. Such indicia may include a uniquemagnetic or visual characters and/or profile which is indicative thatthe voucher is genuine. Of course, such vouchers may in otherembodiments include visible or non-visible indicia including images ofthe user, which are capable of being read and used to verify theauthenticity of the voucher. As previously discussed, when such an itemis presented to the machine to be redeemed, the machine adjusts theverification steps in accordance with its programming as appropriate forthe particular type of document. This may be based on user inputs,information read from the document, or other data.

In alternative embodiments, the machine need not use any special mediaor paper to provide a voucher redeemable for cash (or credit and/ormerchandise). In such embodiments a printing device in the machine mayprint the voucher on non-unique media. This printer used for printingthe voucher may be a printer used for printing documents that are notredeemable for cash, such as the receipt printer. This may beaccomplished by printing on the voucher one or more numerical codesand/or characters or symbols that are usable to verify the genuinenessof the document. These may include for example numerical codes which area function of at least one value associated with the transaction. Forexample the voucher may include verification indicia which is determinedthrough use of an encryption function based on a transaction number,user ID, amount, machine ID, transaction time, other values, images, orcombinations thereof.

The voucher including the verification indicia may be presented at themachine (and in some embodiments at other machines or establishments) tobe redeemed. In the case of presentation of the item at the machine, theverification indicia may be read with other values from the voucher.Because in this example no magnetic coding is used, the programming ofthe machine would cause the machine to not reject the voucher for lackof magnetic coding. The machine would operate in accordance with itsprogramming to determine the validity of the verification indicia. Thiswould be done using the particular appropriate algorithms and data. Thismay include for example recovering data from one or more data stores.Such a data store may include for example, data concerning whether avoucher corresponding to the one presented has been previously redeemed.For example the machine may operate to store in one or more data storeswhen the voucher is issued, data indicative that the voucher has beenissued. Such data may include data about the amount, the user, theverification indicia or other data. Then when the voucher is redeemed,either at a machine (the same machine that issued the voucher or anothermachine) or at another location such as a merchant location, furtherdata is stored to indicate the voucher has been redeemed. Suchprocedures may help assure that reproductions of vouchers are notredeemed for cash. If the voucher is verified as genuine it is acceptedfor cash value in the manner previously discussed. Of course theseapproaches are merely exemplary and other approaches may be used.

Alternative embodiments may also provide other ways for the user to takeor receive the benefit of an undispensed amount. This may include forexample the user returning the change to an account with an institution.Alternatively the user may choose to apply the change to the amount ofan existing credit card balance or loan that is held by the institution.In addition or in the alternative, the user may apply the undispensedamount to a particular charitable organization. The operator of themachine may track such donations over the year and send the user astatement for tax purposes. In addition the information may be used bythe charities to provide such tax documents directly, and/or to solicitfurther donations from the particular user. This is accomplished in anexemplary embodiment by the machine providing the user with one or moreoptions through output devices, and the user providing one or moreinputs through input devices to select one or more of the options forapplication of the difference. Numerous options may be provided by theuser in response to the programming associated with the terminalprocessor and other connected computers.

Alternatively in some embodiments one or more computers operating inconnection with the machine may provide the user cashing the check withthe closest amount that the ATM can dispense to the exact amount of the,check. For example, if the ATM includes cash dispensers that dispensecoin and the cash dispenser for dispensing pennies is not availablebecause it is broken or is depleted, the machine may dispense an amountto the nearest next highest available currency denomination, which maybe a nickel. Likewise if the cash dispenser for dispensing nickels isnot available or depleted, (and the penny dispenser is not available)the machine may dispense to the nearest dime. These rules of roundingupwards may be applied in accordance with the programming associatedwith the machine to dispense the closest amount that the machine iscapable of dispensing above the amount of the check presented. Of coursein exemplary embodiments the excess above the amount of the check thatthe machine will dispense is limited in accordance with the programmingof one or more computers within the machine. Thus, for example, theprogramming of the computer may establish the maximum additional amountthat the user may receive above the amount of the check as $2.99. Thusif the machine cannot dispense an amount that is within $2.99 above theamount of the check, the machine will indicate that it is unable toprocess the transaction and return the check to the user. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

It should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments one or morecomputers in operative connection with the one or more cash dispensersin the ATM is programmed to control the dispense of currencydenominations in response to check cashing transactions. Such controlmay be operative to reduce the risk that the machine will run out ofcurrency. Thus, for example, the computer may be operative to cause theATM to dispense one denomination of currency as opposed to another inorder to enable the machine to continue running longer and/or tomaintain the capability of the ATM to fulfill check cashing transactionswithin the parameters which have been established by the system. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

As indicated at the forty-fourth step in the sequence the terminalprocessor operates to cause a receipt to be printed for the userindicating the amount of the cash dispensed. This receipt may alsoinclude other information including the amount of change that the userreceived and an indication of how the value associated with this changewas either applied or provided to the user. Of course as previouslydiscussed, in this printing step the terminal processor may also operateto print vouchers, coupons, negotiable instruments or other items thatthe user has requested to receive.

As indicated at the forty-fifth step the terminal processor nextoperates in accordance with its programming to prompt the user onwhether they wish to conduct another transaction. For purposes of thisexample it will be assumed that the user declines another transaction.The terminal processor next operates the machine to close thetransaction. This may include for example returning the card to thecustomer, outputting “thank you” messages or other appropriate stepsassociated with completing the transaction and/or readying the machinefor a next customer.

In the forty-seventh step the terminal processor operates to send acompletion message to the host. As previously discussed the completionmessage generally includes data indicative of whether the transactionwas successfully carried out. In addition in some embodiments, thecompletion message may also include data representative of any changethat was due to customer and how the customer chose to apply or receivethe amount of change. The confirmation data included in the returnmessage may also include data representative of the issuance of an itemand/or the identity of the merchant or other entity to whom a credit isrequired to be issued in consideration of vouchers or coupons that weredispensed to the customer. The completion data may also include atransaction number or data that can be used to identify or authenticatea check or voucher issued to a user. Likewise the message may includedata representative of loans, accounts or charities to whom the customermay have elected to apply their change balance. Other appropriate dataindicative of the completion of the transaction may be included. Thehost computer operates in response to this message to appropriatelyclose the transaction and to apply the funds accordingly and to storedata in one or more data stores in operative connection with the host.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the exemplary formof the deposit accepting apparatus and system and its methods ofoperation may provide advantages. The exemplary system reduces the needto manipulate documents. This results in increased reliability byreducing the risk of document jams or other malfunctions. The exemplaryembodiment further reduces the need to achieve alignment of the documentfor purposes of reading or analyzing the data thereon. Generally as longas the particular document is presented in an appropriate transportdirection the data may be analyzed and manipulated so as to achieveauthorization of the document. It should be understood that while theexemplary embodiment shown analyzes indicia on only one side of adocument, other embodiments may analyze indicia on both sides ofdocuments. This may be accomplished for example by having analysismodules on both sides of the document path. Such arrangements in someembodiments may enable documents to be reliably read and analyzedregardless of orientation.

It should be understood that while the exemplary embodiment has beendescribed as reading checks and vouchers, other embodiments may be usedfor reading other document types. Such other document types may includefor example currency bills, statements of charges such as utility bills,credit card bills and other statements of charges. Embodiments mayfurther be adapted to read other or additional types of coding such asone or two-dimensional bar codes, other character sets, alphabets ofvarious languages or other characters. Embodiments of the invention mayaccept only one type of item, or a plurality of types of items. Further,while the exemplary embodiment accepts envelopes, other embodiments maynot accept such items, or may accept other types of items.

It should be understood that the architecture of the computers andsoftware described is exemplary. Other embodiments may use differentcomputer and/or software architectures to accomplish the functions andmethods described. Further the one or more computers operating in anautomated banking machine may be programmed by reading through operationof one or more appropriate reading devices, machine readable articleswhich comprise media with computer executable instructions that areoperative to cause the one or more computers (alternatively referred toherein as processors) in the machine to carry out one or more of thefunctions and method steps described. Such machine readable media mayinclude for example one or more CDs, magnetic discs, tapes, hard diskdrives, PROMS, memory cards or other suitable types of media.

Some exemplary embodiments further facilitate transaction processing bybeing able to verify and analyze document images within the ATM. Thismay avoid the need to transmit entire document images to a remotelocation for purposes of analysis. Further an exemplary embodimentenables the application of processing rules which facilitates analyzingrequired data and moving forward with transactions only when such datais read with a sufficient level of assurance that the data has been readaccurately.

A further advantage of the described exemplary embodiment is the abilityof a single mechanism to reliably handle both sheet type materials andenvelopes. This avoids the need to include multiple depositories withina machine. In addition the embodiment also produces data representativeof graphic images of items that have been placed into the depository.Such image data may be analyzed at the machine or forwarded to anotherdevice for verification and/or processing purposes. Embodiments may beused to conduct payor and/or payee signature analysis including analysisfor the presence of signatures and/or for the genuineness of cursivesignatures.

Another advantage of the exemplary embodiment is that items placed inthe deposit accepting apparatus may be read through imaging or othermethods and then returned to the customer. These may include items suchas drivers' licenses, identification cards, passports or other articlesthat generally will not be retained within the machine. The exemplarydepository also has the capability of receiving documents, readingand/or capturing images and printing on them for purposes ofauthentication or cancellation and then returning them to the customer.

This may prove advantageous for example in the case of customer bills orpayments where the customer is provided with a marking on the particularbill to indicate that payment has been made. In addition the exemplaryembodiment may handle numerous different types of items and documents inthis manner. For example embodiments of the invention may be used inapplications such as issuing items such as drivers' licenses, licenseplate stickers, gaming materials, and other items. Embodiments may beused for redeeming items and issuing new or replacement items. Furtheradvantages will be apparent, and those having skill in the relevant artmay apply the principles of the claimed invention to numerousembodiments.

It should be understood that in exemplary embodiments an automatedbanking machine may operate to conduct transactions that involve thedispensing of cash to the user, in which the source of the value whichis assessed to the user for the dispensed cash is a deposited check orother item, or alternatively, is an account associated with the user. Insuch embodiments the ATM may be operative to communicate with one ormore host computers so as to indicate identifying information associatedwith the user. Based on inputs provided, the messages sent to the one ormore host computers may also include an indication that the customer isrequesting a dispense of cash and the amount of such dispense. The oneor more remote computers to which the message is sent by the ATM areoperative to determine if the user is permitted to conduct thetransaction, and to return one or more messages to the ATM indicatingwhether the transaction is authorized. Responsive to such messages, theautomated banking machine operates responsive to one or more processorsto dispense cash through operation of the cash dispenser. Responsive todispensing the cash, the automated banking machine and one or moreprocessors thereof are operative to cause the value associated with thecash dispensed to be assessed to the user. This may include for examplesending a message from the automated banking machine to one or morecomputers, which is operative to cause the value of the cash to beassessed against a user's account. Alternatively or in addition theautomated banking machine may be operative to cause the value associatedwith the dispensed cash to be assessed to the user by offsetting thevalue of the cash dispensed against the value of one or more checks orother items that are deposited by the user in the machine. Alternativelythe automated banking machine may be operative to assess the valueassociated with the cash dispensed to the user by operating so as toadjust or offset the value against other sources of value such as storedvalue represented in a data store on a smart card, mobile phone or othervalue source. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

An alternative embodiment of a deposit of an alternative exemplaryembodiment will now be described.

A deposit accepting device 420 of an exemplary embodiment and having thefeatures described hereafter is shown in FIG. 81. The deposit acceptingdevice is shown with the mechanism open so as to enable more readilydescribing its components. The deposit accepting mechanism would be openin the manner shown in FIGS. 81 and 82 only when the device is not inoperation. Rather the device would be placed in the open condition forservicing activities such as clearing jams, cleaning, adjusting orreplacing components. This can be readily done in this exemplaryembodiment by a servicer as later described.

The deposit accepting device includes a document inlet opening 422. Inthe exemplary embodiment during operation the inlet opening is incommunication with the outside of the housing of the automated bankingmachine. Documents received through the inlet opening travel along atransport path in the device. The transport path in the device furtherincludes a document alignment area 424 in which documents are aligned tofacilitate the processing thereof. The exemplary form of the unitfurther includes a document analysis area 426. The exemplary documentanalysis area includes scanning sensors and magnetic sensors forpurposes of reading indicia from the documents.

The exemplary form of the device further includes an escrow area 428along the transport path. In the escrow area documents that have beenreceived are stored pending determination to either accept the documentsor return them to the user. The exemplary deposit accepting devicefurther includes a storage area 430 which operates to store documentsthat have been accepted for deposit within the deposit accepting device.Of course it should be understood that this structure is exemplary ofarrangements that may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment documents are received through the openingand the presence of a document is sensed by at least one sensor 432.Sensing a document at the opening at an appropriate time during ATMoperation (such as at a time when a user indicates through an inputdevice of the machine that they wish to input a document) causes atleast one processor to operate so as to control a gate 434. Theprocessor operates upon sensing the document to cause the gate to movefrom the closed position to the open position. This is accomplished inthe exemplary embodiment by a drive moving an actuator member 436 asshown in FIG. 81. The actuator member 436 includes a cam slot 438 whichcauses corresponding movement of the gate 434 to the desired position.In some embodiments the at least one sensor 432 or other sensor in thedevice is operative to sense properties that would indicate whether thedocument being inserted is a double or other multiple document. At leastone processor in the ATM may operate in accordance with its programmingto not accept multiple documents and to cause the ATM to provide atleast one output to advise the user to insert a single document.

Responsive to the sensing of the document and other conditions asdetermined by at least one processor, a first transport 440 operates tomove the document into the document alignment area. In the exemplaryembodiment the document is moved in engaged relation between a beltflight 442 and rollers 444. As best shown in FIGS. 81 and 84, rollers444 extend in openings 446 in an upper platen 448 to engage or at leastmove in very close proximity to belt flight 442. As shown in FIG. 84,rollers 444 are mounted on a movable carriage 450. Carriage 450 ismovable rotationally about a shaft 452. Movement of the carriage 450enables selectively positioning of the rollers 444 to be in proximity tothe surface of belt flight 442 or to be disposed away therefrom forreasons that are, later discussed. After the document is sensed ashaving moved into the device the processor operates to cause the gate tobe closed. Alternatively if a user has provided inputs through inputdevices on the machine indicating that they will be depositing moredocuments in the machine, the gate may remain open until the lastdocument is deposited.

As shown in FIG. 84 through 86, platen 448 in the operative position isin adjacent relation with a lead in guide 454. Guide portion 454 andplaten 448 include corresponding contoured edges 456, 458. The contourededges of the exemplary embodiment are of a toothed contouredconfiguration. This configuration is used in the exemplary embodiment toreduce the risk that documents will become caught at the adjacent edgesof the platen and the guide. The toothed contoured configuration of theadjacent surfaces helps to minimize the risk that documents catch or arefolded or damaged as they pass the adjacent surfaces. Of course itshould be understood that this approach is exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the document alignment area includestransverse transport rolls 460 and 462. The transverse transport rollsextend through apertures in the platen 464 that, supports belt flight442. The transverse transport rolls of the exemplary embodiment areconfigured to have axially tapered surfaces extending in eachlongitudinal direction from the radially outermost extending portion ofthe roll so as to minimize the risks of documents being caught by asurface thereof. In alternative embodiments transverse transport rollsmay have simple or compound curved surfaces to minimize the risk ofcatching transversely moving documents, which configurations shall alsobe referred to as tapered for purposes of this disclosure. In theexemplary embodiment the upper surface of the transverse transport rollsare generally at about the same level as the upper surface of beltflight 442. In addition each of the transverse transport rolls are inoperative connection with a drive device. The drive device of theexemplary embodiment enables the transverse transport rolls to moveindependently for purposes of aligning documents as later discussed.

In supporting connection with platen 448 are a pair of transversefollower rolls 466 and 468. The transverse follower rolls each extend ina corresponding opening in the platen 448. Transverse follower roll 466generally corresponds to the position of transverse transport roll 460.Likewise transverse follower roll 468 corresponds to the position oftransverse transport roll 462. As shown in FIG. 84, rolls 466 and 468are supported on a movable carriage 470. Carriage 470 is rotatablymovable about shaft 452. A drive 472 is selectively operative responsiveto operation of one or more processors in the banking machine to causethe movement of carriage 470 and carriage 450. As a result, drive 472 ofthe exemplary embodiment is selectively operative to dispose rollers 444adjacent to belt flight 442 or dispose the rollers therefrom. Likewisedrive 472 is selectively operative to place transverse follower rolls466 and 468 in adjacent relation with transverse transport rolls 460 and462. These features are useful for purposes of aligning documents aswill be later discussed. Of course this approach to a transversetransport for documents is exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

The document alignment area 424 further includes a plurality ofalignment sensors 474. In the exemplary embodiment non-contact sensorsare used, which can sense the document without having to have anyportion of the sensor contact the document. The exemplary alignment areaincludes three alignment sensors that are disposed from one anotheralong the transport direction of belt flight 442. In the exemplaryembodiment one sensor is aligned transversely with each of rolls 460 and462 and a third sensor is positioned intermediate of the other twosensors. The alignment sensors of the exemplary embodiment are radiationtype and include an emitter and a receiver. The sensors sense thedocuments that move adjacent thereto by detecting the level of radiationfrom the emitter that reaches the receiver. It should be understood thatalthough three alignment sensors are used in the exemplary embodiment,other embodiments may include greater or lesser numbers of such sensors.Further while the alignment sensors are aligned along the direction ofdocument transport in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodimentsother sensor arrangements may be used such as a matrix of sensors, aplurality of transversely disposed sensors or other suitablearrangement.

The operation of the document alignment area will now be described withreference to FIGS. 88 through 98. In the exemplary embodiment when adocument is sensed entering the device, carriage 450 which is controlledthrough the drive 472 is positioned such that rollers 444 are positionedin adjacent relation to belt flight 442. This position is shown in FIG.88. In this document receiving position carriage 470 is moved such thatthe transverse follower rolls 466 and 468 are disposed away from thetransverse transport rolls 460 and 462.

In response to sensing a document 476 being positioned in the inletopening 422 and other appropriate conditions, the at least one processoris operative to cause the first transport 440 to move belt flight 442.If a double or other multiple document is sensed the first transport maynot run or may run and then return the document to the user aspreviously discussed. Moving belt flight 442 inward causes the firstdocument to be moved and engaged with the transport in sandwichedposition between the rollers 444 and the belt flight as shown in FIG.89. In this position the transverse transport and transverse followerrolls are disposed away from one another so that the document 476 canmove in engagement with the first transport into the document alignmentarea. The tapered surfaces of the transverse transport rolls 460,462facilitate the document moving past the rolls without snagging. Itshould also be noted that projections on the surface of platen 464operate to help to move the document by minimizing the risk of thedocument snagging on various component features. Further the projectionson the platen help to minimize the effects of surface tension that mightotherwise resist document movement and/or cause damage to the document.Of course these approaches are exemplary, and other embodiments mayemploy other approaches.

Position sensors for documents are included in the document alignmentarea and such sensors are operative to sense when the document has movedsufficiently into the document alignment area so that the document canbe aligned. Such sensors may be of the radiation type or other suitabletypes. When the document 476 has moved sufficiently inward, the firsttransport is stopped. In the stopped position of the transport, thedrive 472 operates to move carriage 470 as shown in FIG. 92. This causesthe transverse transport and follower rolls to move adjacent with thedocument 476 positioned therebetween so as to engage the document.

Thereafter as shown in FIGS. 93 and 94 the drive 472 is operative tomove the carriage 450. This causes the rollers 444 to be disposed frombelt flight 442 which disengages this transport with respect to thedocument. Thereafter the one or more drives which are operative to movethe transverse transport rolls, operate responsive to at least oneprocessor so as to move document 476 in a direction transverse to thedirection of prior movement by belt flight 442 as well as to deskew thedocument. As shown in FIG. 95, the document 476 is moved sideways untila longitudinal edge 478 is aligned with the alignment sensors 474. Inthe exemplary embodiment the alignment sensors 474 provide a virtualwall against which to align the longitudinal edge of the document. Thesensing of the document by the alignment sensors 474 enables precisepositioning of the document and aligning it in a desired position whichfacilitates later reading indicia therefrom. In an exemplary embodimentin which the documents are checks, the precise alignment of thelongitudinal edge enables positioning of the document and its micr linethereon so as to be in position to be read by a read head as laterdiscussed. Of course in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some exemplary embodiments the alignment sensors are in operativeconnection with one or more processors so that the transports arecontrolled responsive to the sensors sensing a degree of reduction inradiation at a receiver from an associated emitter of a sensor as thedocument moves toward a blocking position relative to the sensor. Theexemplary embodiment may be configured such that a drive operating thetransverse transport roll may cease to further move the sheettransversely when the alignment sensor which is transversely alignedwith the transport roll senses a certain reduction in the amount ofradiation reaching the sensor from the emitter. Thereafter the otherdrive operating the other transverse transport roll may continue tooperate until the alignment sensor that corresponds to that transportroll senses a similar degree of reduction. In this way the processoroperating the independently controlled transverse transport rolls causethe longitudinal edge of the document to be aligned with the virtualwall produced through use of the sensors.

In alternative embodiments the apparatus may operate in accordance withits programming to cause the respective transverse transport rolls tomove the document transversely such that a reduction in radiation fromthe respective emitter is sensed reaching the corresponding receiveruntil no further reduction occurs. This corresponds to a condition wherethe document fully covers the corresponding receiver. Thereafter therespective drive for the transverse transport roll may be reversed indirection to a desired level such as, for example, fifty percent of thetotal reduction which would indicate that the transverse edge ispositioned to cover approximately fifty percent of the receiver. In thisway this alternative embodiment may be able to align documents that haverelatively high radiation transmissivity or transmissivity that isvariable depending on the area of the document being sensed by thesensor. Alternatively a transverse linear array of sensors, such as CCDsmay be used to determine the transverse position of a particular portionof the edge of the sheet. A plurality of spaced arrays may be used tosense the position of the sheet. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Once the document has been aligned and moved to the position shown inFIG. 95, the drive 472 operates to move the carriage 450 such that therollers 444 are again moved adjacent to belt flight 442. Thereafter thedrive moves the carriage 470 so as to dispose the transverse followerrolls 466 and 468 away from the transverse transport rolls. Thisposition is shown in FIG. 88. Thereafter the now aligned document can befurther moved along the transport path through movement of the firsttransport out of the document alignment area of the device to thedocument analysis area.

FIGS. 97 and 98 disclose an operational feature of the exemplaryembodiment where a document 480 has a folded edge. In this exemplarysituation the folded edge is configured so that the alignment sensor 474which corresponds to transverse transport roll 462 cannot sense alongitudinal edge of the document until the document is unduly skewed.However, in this situation the middle alignment sensor will be operativeto sense the middle portion of the longitudinal edge as will thealignment sensor that corresponds to transverse transport roll 460before sensor 474 senses the edge of the document. In the exemplaryembodiment the at least one processor that controls the operation of thedrives for the transverse transport rolls is operative to controlmovement of the document transversely when the middle alignment sensorsenses the edge of the document even through one of the end sensors hasnot. This is true even for a folded document or a document that has beentorn. The at least one processor controls each transverse roll to movethe document transversely until two of the three sensors detect and edgeof the document in the desired aligned position. In this way even suchan irregular document is generally accurately aligned in thelongitudinal direction from the transport.

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment uses radiationtype sensors for purposes of aligning the document in the alignmentsection. In other embodiments other types of sensors such as sonicsensors, inductance sensors, air pressure sensors or other suitablesensors or combinations thereof, may be used.

Once the document has been aligned in the document alignment area of thetransport path, the deposit accepting device operates responsive to theprogramming associated with one or more processors, to cause thedocument to be moved along the transport path by the first transportinto the document analysis area. In the exemplary embodiment thedocument analysis area includes at least one magnetic sensing devicewhich comprises the magnetic read head 482. Magnetic read head 482 is insupporting connection with platen 448 and in the exemplary embodiment ismovable relative thereto. The alignment of the document in the documentalignment area is operative in the exemplary embodiment to place themicr line on the check in corresponding relation with the magnetic readhead. Thus as the document is moved by the first transport into thedocument analysis area, the micr line data can be read by the magneticread head. Of course in some alternative embodiments micr or othermagnetic indicia may be read through other magnetic sensing elementssuch as the type later discussed, or optically, in the manner shown inU.S. Pat. No. 6,474,548, for example.

FIGS. 99 through 101 show an exemplary form of the movable mounting forthe magnetic read head 482. In the exemplary embodiment the magneticread head is positioned in a retainer 484. Retainer 484 includes a firstprojection 486 that extends in and is movable in an aperture 488.Retainer 484 also includes a projection 490 which is movable in anaperture 492. A tension spring 494 extends through a saddle area 496 ofthe housing 484. The saddle area includes two projections which acceptthe spring 494 therebetween. This exemplary mounting for the magneticread head provides for the head to float such that it can maintainengagement with documents that are moved adjacent thereto. However, themovable character of the mounting which provides both for angular andvertical movement of the read head reduces risk of snagging documents asthe documents move past the read head. Further the biased springmounting is readily disengaged and enables readily replacing themagnetic read head in situations where that is required. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

The exemplary document analysis area includes in addition to the readhead a magnetic sensing element 498. The magnetic sensing element insome exemplary embodiments may read magnetic features across thedocument as the document is moved in the document analysis area. In someembodiments the magnetic reading device may be operative to readnumerous magnetic features or lines so as to facilitate the magneticprofile of the document as discussed herein. In some embodiments themagnetic sensing element may sense areas of the document in discreteelements which provide a relatively complete magnetic profile of thedocument or portions thereof. In some embodiments the magnetic sensingcapabilities may be sufficient so that a separate dedicated read headfor reading the micr line of checks is not required. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and may vary depending on the type of documentswhich are being analyzed through the system.

The exemplary document analysis area further includes a first scanningsensor 500 and a second scanning sensor 502. The scanning sensors areoperative to sense optical indicia on opposed sides of the document. Thescanning sensors in combination with at least one processor areoperative to produce data which corresponds to a visual image of eachside of the document. This enables analysis of visual indicia ondocuments through operation of at least one processor in the ATM. In thecase of checks and other instruments the scanning sensors also enablecapturing data so as to produce data which corresponds to image of acheck which may be used for processing an image as a substitute check,and/or other functions.

In some embodiments, the data corresponding to images of the documentsmay be used by the ATM to provide outputs to a user. For example, animage of a check may be output through a display screen of the ATM so auser may be assured that the ATM has captured the image data. In somecases at least one processor in the ATM may apply digital watermarks orother features in the data to minimize the risk of tampering. In someembodiments at least one processor may operate in accordance with itsprogramming to indicate through visual outputs to a user with the imagethat security features have been applied to the image data. This mayinclude outputs in the form of words and/or symbols which indicate asecurity feature has been applied. This helps to assure a user that theATM operates in a secure manner in processing the accepted check. Ofcourse, this approach is exemplary of things that may be done in someembodiments.

In alternative embodiments the programming of one or more processorsassociated with the ATM may enable the scanning sensors, magneticsensors and other sensing elements to gather data which is usable toanalyze other types of documents. Other types of sensing elements mayinclude, for example, UV, IR, RFID, fluorescence, RF and other sensorsthat are capable of sensing properties associated with document.Documents may include for example receipts, certificates, currency,vouchers, travelers checks, tickets or other document types. The datagathered from the sensors in the analysis area may be processed forpurposes of determining the genuineness of such items and/or the typeand character thereof. Of course the nature of the sensors included inthe analysis area may vary depending on the type of documents to beprocessed by the device. Also some embodiments may operate so that if amicr line or other magnetic characters on the document are not alignedwith the magnetic read head, the document can nonetheless be analyzedand processed using data from other sensors.

It should also be noted that documents are moved in the documentanalysis area through engagement with a plurality of driving rolls 504.The driving rolls 504 operate in response to one or more drives that arecontrolled responsive to operation of one or more processors in the ATM.The drives are operative to move documents into proximity with and pastthe sensors so as to facilitate the reading of indicia thereon. Thedocument may be moved in one or more directions to facilitate thereading and analysis thereof.

Once a document has been moved through the document analysis area, thedocument passes along the transport path into escrow area 428. Escrowarea 428 includes a third transport 506. Transport 506 includes an upperbelt flight 508. The plurality of cooperating rollers 510 supportedthrough platen 449 are positioned adjacent to belt flight 508 in theoperative position. Documents entering the escrow area are moved inengagement with belt flight 508 and intermediate to belt flight and therollers.

In the exemplary embodiment documents that have been passed through thedocument analysis area are moved in the escrow area where the documentsmay be stopped for a period of time during which decisions are madeconcerning whether to accept the document. This may include for example,making a determination through operation of the ATM or other connectedsystems concerning whether to accept an input check. If it is determinedthat the check should not be accepted, the direction of the transportsis reversed and the check is moved from the escrow area through thedocument analysis area, the document alignment area and back out of theATM to the user. Alternatively if the decision is made to accept thedocument into the ATM, the document is moved in a manner later discussedfrom the escrow area to the document storage area of the device.

In some exemplary embodiments the escrow area may be sufficiently largeto hold several checks or other documents therein. In this way a userwho is conducting a transaction involving numerous checks may have allthose checks accepted in the machine, but the programming of the machinemay enable readily returning all those checks if the user elects to doso or if any one or more of the documents is determined to beunacceptable to the machine. Alternatively or in addition, storagedevices such as belt storage mechanisms, transports or other escrowdevices may be incorporated into the transport path of a depositaccepting device so that more numerous documents may be stored thereinand returned to the user in the event that a transaction is notauthorized to proceed. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

It should be noted that the exemplary escrow area includes a lowerplaten with a plurality of longitudinal projections which extendthereon. The longitudinal projections facilitate movement of thedocument and reduce surface tension so as to reduce the risk of thedocument being damaged.

In the exemplary embodiment the escrow area further includes a stamperprinter 512. In the exemplary embodiment the stamper printer issupported through platen 449 and includes an ink roll type printer whichis described in more detail in FIGS. 105 through 107. The escrow areafurther includes a backing roll 514 which operates to assure thatdocuments move in proximity to the stamper printer so that indicia canbe printed thereon.

The exemplary form of the stamper printer is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 105 through 107. The exemplary printer includes an eccentric inkbearing roll 518 shown in FIG. 107. The eccentric shape of the inkbearing roll in cross section includes a flattened area 520 which isdisposed radially closer to a rectangular opening 522 which extends inthe roll, than a printing area 524 which is angularly disposed and inopposed relation thereof. The flattened area is generally positionedadjacent to documents when documents are moved through the escrow areaand printing is not to be conducted thereon by the stamper printer. Inthe exemplary embodiment the ink roll 518 is encapsulated in plastic andis bounded by a plastic coating or cover about its circumference.Apertures or openings are cut therethrough in the desired design that isto be printed on the documents. As can be appreciated, the apertureswhich are cut in the plastic which encapsulates the outer surface of theink bearing roll enables the ink to be transferred from the ink holdingroll material underlying the plastic coating, to documents in the shapeof the apertures. For example in the embodiment shown a pair of angledlines are printed on documents by the stamper printer. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other types of inkingmechanisms and/or designs may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the ink roll 518 is supported on a firstshaft portion 526 and a second shaft portion 528. The shaft portionsinclude rectangular projections that are generally rectangular inprofile 523, that extend in the opening 522 of the ink roll. The shaftportions include flanged portions 530 and 532 that are disposed from theradial edges of the roll. Shaft portions 526 and 528 include aninterengaging projection 525 and access 527, as well as a tab 529 andrecess that engage and serve as a catch, which are operative to engageand be held together so as to support the roll.

Shaft portion 526 includes an annular projection 534. Annular projection534 is adapted to engage in a recess which is alternatively referred toas a slot (not separately shown) which extends generally vertically in abiasing tab 536 as shown in FIG. 105. Biasing tab 536 is operative toaccept the projection in nested relation and is operative to provide anaxial biasing force against shaft portion 526 when the first shaftportion is positioned therein. This arrangement enables holding theshaft portion in engaged relation with the biasing tab. However, when itis desired to change the stamper printer and/or the ink roll therein,the biasing tab may be moved such that the annular projection may beremoved from the interengaging slot by moving the projection 534 upwardin the recess so as to facilitate removal of the printer and ink roll.The biasing tab is supported on a bracket 538 that is in supportingconnection with the platen which overlies the escrow area.

Second shaft portion 528 includes an annular projection 540. Projection540 includes on the periphery thereof an angled radially outwardextending projection 542. Projection 542 has a particular contour whichis angled such that the transverse width of the projection increaseswith proximity to the flange portion 542. This configuration is helpfulin providing a secure method for moving the ink roll but alsofacilitates changing the ink roll and stamper printer when desired.

In the exemplary embodiment the ink roll 518 is housed within a housing544. Housing 544 is open at the underside thereof such that the printingarea 524 can extend therefrom to engage a document from the escrow area.Housing 544 also includes two pairs of outward extending ears 546. Ears546 include apertures therein that accept housing positioningprojections 545 on the associated mounting surface of the device and areoperative to more precisely position the housing and the ink roll on thesupporting platen and to facilitate proper positioning when a new inkroll assembly is installed. Housing 544 also includes apertures 543through which the shaft portions extend. A flange portion is positionedadjacent to each aperture.

In the exemplary embodiment shaft portion 528 is driven through a clutchmechanism 548. Clutch mechanism 548 of the exemplary embodiment is awrap spring clutch type mechanism which is selectively actuatablethrough electrical signals. The clutch is driven from a drive through agear 550. The clutch 548 outputs rotational movement through a coupling552. Coupling 552 includes the annular recess that corresponds toprojection 540 and a radial recess which corresponds in shape toprojection 542. Thus in the exemplary embodiment the force of thebiasing tab enables the coupling 552 to solidly engage shaft portion528.

During operation gear 550 which is operatively connected to a driveprovides a mechanical input to the clutch 548. However, the ink rollgenerally does not rotate. Transport 506 is operative to move a documentin the transport in the escrow area responsive to signals from aprocessor. Sensors such as radiation sensors in the escrow area areoperative to indicate one or more positions of the document to theprocessor. When the document is to be marked with the stamper printer itis positioned adjacent to the ink roll by operation of a processorcontrolling the transport in the escrow area. A signal is sentresponsive to the processor to the clutch 548. This signal is operativeto engage the coupling 552 which causes the shaft portions 528 and 526to rotate the ink roll 518. As the ink roll rotates the printing area524 engages the surface of the document causing ink markings to beplaced thereon. The ink roll rotates in coordination with movement ofthe document. The clutch is operative to cause the coupling to carry outone rotation such that after the document has been marked, the printingarea is again disposed upward within the housing. The flattened portion520 of the ink roll is again disposed in its initial position facing thedocument. Thus documents are enabled to pass the stamper printer 512without having any unwanted markings thereon or without being snagged bythe surfaces thereof.

It should be understood that when it is desired to change the stamperprinter ink roll because the ink thereon has become depleted oralternatively because a different type of marking is desired, this maybe readily accomplished. A servicer does this by deforming or otherwisemoving the biasing tab 536 and moving the shaft portion 526 upward suchthat the annular projection 534 no longer extends in the slot in thebiasing tab. This also enables projection 534 to be moved upward and outof a stationary slot 554 in the bracket 538. As the annular projection534 is moved in this manner the annular projection 540 and radialprojection 542 are enabled to be removed from the corresponding recessesin the coupling 552. This enables the housing 544 to be moved such thatthe ears 546 on the housing can be separated from the positioningprojections which help to assure the proper positioning of the ink rollwhen the housing is in the operative position. Thereafter a new housingshaft and ink roll assembly can be installed. This may be accomplishedby reengaging the projections 540 and 542 with the coupling 552 andengaging the projection 534 in the slot of biasing tab 536. During suchpositioning the positioning projections are also extended in the ears546 of the housing, to locate the housing and reliably position the inkroll.

It should further be understood that although only one ink roll is shownin the exemplary embodiment, alternative embodiments may includemultiple ink rolls or multiple stamper printers which operate to printindicia on checks. Such arrangements may be used for purposes ofprinting varied types of information on various types of documents. Forexample in some situations it may be desirable to return a document thathas been processed through operation of the device to the user. In suchcircumstances a stamper printer may print appropriate indicia on thedocument such as a “void” stamp or other appropriate marking. Of coursethe type of printing that is conducted may vary as is appropriate forpurposes of the particular type of document that is being processed. Inother embodiments alternative approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment a document that is to be moved from theescrow area can be more permanently stored in the machine by moving thedocument to a storage area 430. Documents are moved from the escrow areatoward the storage area by moving the document in engagement with beltflight 508 so that the document engages a curved deflector 554.Deflector 554 causes the document to engage a vertical transport 556that extends in the storage area 430. As best shown in FIG. 110 verticaltransport 556 includes two continuous belts that are driven by a drive558. The transport 556 includes a pair of disposed belts, each of whichhas a belt flight 560. Each belt flight 560 extends in generally opposedrelation of a corresponding rail 562 of a vertical guide 564. As shownin FIG. 109 guide 564 of the exemplary embodiment is constructed so thatthe rails 562 are biased toward the belt flights by a resilientmaterial. This helps to assure the document can be moved between thebelt flights and the rails in sandwiched relation. Such a document 568is shown moving between the rails and the belt flights in FIG. 110.

It should also be noted that in the exemplary embodiment the drive 558includes a spring biasing mechanism 568. The biasing mechanism acts onlower rolls 570 to assure proper tension is maintained in the beltflights 560.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the transport belts are housedwithin a housing which includes a pair of spaced back walls 572. Aslater discussed, back walls 572 serve as support surfaces for stacks ofdocuments that may be stored in a first section or location of thestorage area of the device. Similarly guide 564 includes a pair oftransversely disposed wall surfaces 574. Wall surfaces 574 providesupport for a stack of documents disposed in a second section orlocation of the storage area. Also as shown in FIG. 110, the verticaltransport 556 moves documents to adjacent a lower surface 576 whichbounds the interior of the storage area. Document sensing devices areprovided along the path of the vertical transport so that the drive 558can be stopped through operation of at least one processor once thedocument has reached the lower surface. This helps to assure thatdocuments are not damaged by movement in the drive. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In the exemplary embodiment when at least some documents are moved fromthe escrow area into the vertical transport, the device operates toprint indicia thereon. This may be indicia of various types as describedherein, as would be appropriate for the types of documents beingprocessed. In the exemplary embodiment printing on the documents iscarried out through operation of an inkjet printer 578. The inkjetprinter includes a removably mounted printhead that is adjacent todocuments as they are moved in the vertical transport-portion of thesheet path. The inkjet printer includes nozzles which are operative toselectively expel ink therefrom toward the sheet path and shoot ink ontothe adjacent surface of the document. The nozzles of the inkjet printeroperate in accordance with the programming of a processor which isoperative to drive the inkjet printer to expel ink selectively therefromto produce various forms of characters on the documents as may bedesired. For example in an exemplary embodiment the printer may beoperative to print indica on checks so as to indicate transactioninformation and/or the cancellation of such checks. In the exemplaryembodiment the print head is releasibly mounted through moveable membersto enable ready installation and removal.

The exemplary embodiment further includes an ink catching mechanism 580which is alternatively referred to herein as an ink catcher. In theexemplary embodiment the ink catching mechanism is operative to captureink that may be discharged from the printhead at times when no documentis present. This may occur for example if a document is misaligned inthe transport or if the machine malfunctions so that it attemptsprinting when no document is present. Alternatively the inkjet printermay be operated responsive to at least one processor at times whendocuments are not present for purposes of conducting head cleaningactivities or other appropriate activities for assuring the reliabilityof the inkjet printer. Further the exemplary embodiment of the inkcatcher mechanism is operative to tend the printhead by wiping thenozzles so as to further facilitate reliable operation. Of course itshould be understood that the exemplary ink catcher shown and describedis only one of many ink catcher configurations that may be used.

An exemplary form of the ink catching mechanism is shown in FIGS. 102through 104. The ink catching mechanism includes an ink holding body 582with an ink holding area therein. Body 582 has thereon an annularprojecting portion 584. Projecting portion 584 has an opening 586therein. Opening 586 of the projecting portion is in fluid communicationwith the ink holding interior area of the main portion of the body. Ofcourse this body configuration is merely exemplary.

A head portion 588 is comprised of a body portion configured to extendin overlying relation of the projecting portion 584. Head portion 588 ofthe exemplary embodiment comprises a generally annular body member thatincludes a flattened area 590 which has an opening 592 therein. Headportion 588 also has in supporting connection therewith a resilientwiper member 594 extending radially outward therefrom in an areadisposed angularly away from the opening 592.

As shown in FIG. 104 the exemplary embodiment of body 582 is of agenerally clamshell construction and includes a lower portion 596 and anupper portion 598. The upper and lower portions fit together as shown toform the body, including the annular projecting portion. Also housedwithin the interior of the exemplary embodiment of the body is an inkabsorbing member 600. The ink absorbing member is operative to absorbink which passes into the interior of the body through opening 586. Thebody is releasibly mounted in the machine through a mounting portion 601which accepts suitable fasteners or other holding devices.

In the operative condition the head portion 588 extends in overlyinggenerally surrounding relation of the projecting portion 584. The headportion is enabled to be selectively rotated through operation of adrive 602 that is operatively connected therewith. A disk member 604 andsensor 606 are operative to sense at least one rotational position ofthe head portion 588.

In operation of the exemplary form of the device the head portion 588 isgenerally positioned as shown in FIG. 102 with the opening 592 of thehead portion in aligned relation with the opening 586 in the projectingportion of the body. The projecting portion extends within an interiorarea of the rotatable head portion. In this position ink expelled fromthe inkjet printhead which does not strike a document, passes into theinterior of the body through the aligned openings. Thus for example ifthe programming of the machine calls for the machine to periodicallyconduct a head cleaning operation in which the nozzles of the inkjetprinthead are fired, the ink can be transmitted through sheet path inthe area of the transport where documents are normally present and intothe body of the ink catcher mechanism. Thereafter or periodically inaccordance with the programming of the machine, a processor in operativeconnection with the drive is operative to cause the drive 602 to rotatethe head portion 588. Rotation of the head portion is operative to causethe flexible wiper member 594 to engage the print head and wipe over theopenings of the inkjet nozzles. This avoids the buildup of ink which canprevent the efficient operation of the inkjet printer. Once the wiperhas moved across the nozzles the head returns to the position so thatexcess ink is accepted within the body. This is done in the exemplaryembodiment by having the head portion rotate in a first rotationaldirection about a full rotation. In this way the head portion rotatesfrom the position where the openings in the head portion and projectingportion are aligned with the print head. The head portion is rotated sothe openings are no longer aligned and the flexible wiper member engagesthe print head and wipes across the nozzles thereof. The head portioncontinues to rotate until the openings are again aligned.

In the exemplary embodiment the drive operates responsive to the atleast one processor to rotate the head portion in the first rotationaldirection about 360 degrees and then stops. In other embodiments thedrive may reverse direction and/or operate the head portion to undergomultiple rotations. In other embodiments the movable member may includemultiple openings and wiper members and may move as appropriate based onthe configuration thereof. In other embodiments the movable member mayinclude multiple openings and wiper members and may move as appropriatebased on the configuration thereof.

In some embodiments the at least one processor may operate the printhead periodically to clean or test the print head, and may operate theink catcher to wipe the nozzles only after such a cleaning or test. Insome alternative embodiments wiping action may be done after every printhead operation or after a set number of documents have been printedupon. Various approaches may be taken in various embodiments.

In exemplary embodiments suitable detectors are used to determine whenthe print head needs to be replaced. At least one processor in operativeconnection with the print head may operate to provide an indication whenthe print cartridge should be changed. Such an indication may be givenremotely in some embodiments, by the machine sending at least onemessage to a remote computer. In the exemplary embodiment a servicer mayreadily remove an existing print cartridge such as by moving one or morefasteners, tabs, clips or other members. A replacement cartridge maythen be installed, and secured in the machine by engaging it with theappropriate members. In the exemplary embodiment electrical contacts forthe print head are positioned so that when the cartridge is in theoperative position the necessary electrical connections for operatingthe print head are made. The new cartridge is installed with the printhead thereof positioned in aligned relation with the opening in the headportion of the ink catcher so that ink from the print head will passinto the ink catcher and be held therein if there is no document in thesheet path between the print head and the ink catcher at the time ink isexpelled therefrom.

In the exemplary embodiment after a new ink cartridge has been installeda servicer may test the operation of the printer. This is accomplishedby providing appropriate inputs to the machine. A servicer moves a sheetinto the sheet path. This may be done in some cases manually and inother cases by providing and moving a sheet in the sheet path throughone or more transports. One or more inputs from the servicer to inputdevices of the machine causes the processor to operate the printer toexpel ink from the print head toward the sheet path. If the sheet ispresent ink impacts the sheet to print thereon. In some cases theprocessor operates the print head to print an appropriate pattern suchas one that tests that all the nozzles are working. In other embodimentsother indicia may be printed. Of course if no sheet is present in thesheet path, the ink from the print head passes into the body of the inkcatcher through the opening in the head portion. Of course this approachis exemplary, and in other embodiments other approaches and processesmay be used.

In some embodiments after printing is conducted the machine may operateto wipe the nozzles of the print head. This may be done in response tothe programming associated with the processor and/or in response to aninput from a servicer. In such a situation the drive operates to rotatethe head portion 588 about the projecting portion 584 so that theflexible wiper member engages the print head. In the exemplaryembodiment the wiper member wipes across the print head as the headportion of the ink catcher makes about one rotation from its initialposition. The head portion rotates responsive to the drive until thehead portion is again sensed as having the opening therein aligned withthe print head. This is sensed by the sensor 606 sensing the rotationalposition of the disk member 604. In response to sensing that one headportion is in the position for capturing ink from the print head, theprocessor is operative to cause the drive to cease operation. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

In an exemplary embodiment when the ink catching mechanism has becomefilled with ink it is possible to replace the body by disengaging one ormore fasteners that hold it in position and install a new one in theoperative position. Alternatively in some embodiments the body may beopened and the ink absorbing member 600 removed and replaced with a newmember.

In the exemplary embodiment the body is disengaged from the machine bydisengaging the one or more fasteners or other devices that hold themounting portion 601 to the adjacent housing structure of the documentaccepting device. Once this is done the body 580 is moved so that theprojecting portion 584 no longer extends within the interior area of themovable head portion 588. Once this is done the body can be discarded.Alternatively, the body may be opened, the ink absorbing member 600removed, a new ink absorbing member installed and the body again closed.

A new body or one with a new ink absorbing member is installed byextending the projection portion 584 thereof within the interior area ofthe head portion 588. The body is then fastened in place through themounting portion. In response to appropriate inputs to an input deviceof the machine from a servicer, the processor operates to cause thedrive 602 to rotate the head portion 588. The processor may operate inaccordance with its programming to rotate the head portion 588 only asnecessary to align the opening 592 with the print head. Alternativelythe processor may operate the drive to make one or more rotations beforestopping the rotation of the head portion. In some embodiments theprocessor may operate the printer to test its operation as previouslydiscussed, and may then rotate the head portion to wipe the nozzles ofthe print head. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

Thus as can be appreciated the exemplary embodiment of the ink catchingmechanism provides an effective way for the printer to be operated so asto avoid the deposition of excess ink within the ATM as well as toenable the print nozzles to be maintained in a suitable operatingcondition so that printing may be reliably conducted.

In the exemplary embodiment documents such as checks are moved into thestorage area 430 through the vertical transport 556. Such documents areheld initially between the rails 562 of the guide 564 and the beltflights 560 of the vertical transport. In the exemplary embodiment suchdocuments may be selectively stored in one of two available sections(alternatively referred to herein as locations) of the storage area.These include a first storage location 608 positioned on a first side ofthe vertical transport and a second storage location 610 positioned onan opposed transverse side of the vertical transport. Selectivepositioning of documents into the storage locations is accomplishedthrough use of a movable plunger member 612 which operates responsive toone or more processors to disengage documents from the verticaltransport and move the documents into either the first storage locationor second storage location of the storage area.

FIGS. 111 through 115 show the operation of the exemplary plunger memberto move a document 614 into storage location 608. As shown in FIG. 112when the document 614 has moved downward into the storage area, theplunger 612 has been positioned to the right of the document as shown instorage location 610. In the exemplary embodiment movement of theplunger member is accomplished through use of a suitable drive andmovement mechanism such as a rack drive, worm drive, tape drive or othersuitable movement device. Such a drive is represented schematically bydrive 616 in FIG. 83.

Once the document has been moved to the proper position and the verticaltransport is stopped, the plunger 612 moves from the position shown inFIG. 112 to the left so as to engage the document. Such engagement withthe document deforms the contour of the document as shown and begins topull the document transversely away from engagement with the beltflights and the guide rails. A spring biased backing plate 618 which mayhave additional documents in supporting connection therewith, is movedby the action of the plunger as shown in FIGS. 113 and 114. Backingplate 618 is biased by a spring or other suitable device so thatdocuments in supporting connection with the backing plate are generallytrapped between the backing plate and the wall surfaces 574 of theguide.

As represented in FIGS. 114 and 115 as the plunger 612 moved furthertoward the storage location 608, the document disengages from the railsand belts so that the document is eventually held in supported relationwith the backing plate 618 by the plunger. Once the document 614 hasreached this position as shown in FIG. 115 the plunger may be movedagain to the right as shown such that the document 614 is integratedinto the document stack supported on backing plate 618. Further as theplunger 612 returns toward its original position, the documentssupported on the backing plate are held in sandwiched relation betweenthe wall surfaces 574 of the guide and the backing plate. Thus thedocument 614 which was moved into the storage area has been selectivelymoved through operation of the plunger into the storage location 608.

FIGS. 116 through 120 show operation of the plunger member to store adocument in storage location 610. As shown in FIG. 117 a document 620 ismoved into the vertical transport and because this document is to bestored in storage location 610 the plunger member 612 is positionedresponsive to operation of the processor to the left of the document asshown. As shown in FIGS. 118 and 119 movement of the plunger member 612toward the right as shown disengages the document from the transport andbrings it into supporting connection with a spring loaded backing plate622. Backing plate 622 is biased by a spring or other suitable biasingmechanism toward the left as shown in FIGS. 119 and 120.

Movement of the plunger 612 to the extent shown in FIG. 120 causes thedocument 620 to be supported in a stack on the backing plate 622. Inthis position the plunger may be again moved to the left such that thedocuments in the stack in storage location 610 are held in sandwichedrelation between the back walls 572 of the vertical transport and thebacking plate.

As can be appreciated in the exemplary embodiment documents can beselectively stored in a storage location of the device by positioningand moving the plunger so that the document is stored in the storagelocation as desired. This enables documents to be segregated intovarious document types. For example in some embodiments the ATM may beoperated such that checks that are drawn on the particular institutionoperating the machine are stored in one storage location of the storagearea 430 while others that are not drawn on that institution are storedin the other storage location. Alternatively in some embodiments wherethe mechanism is used to accept checks and currency bills, bills whichhave been validated may be stored in one storage location while billsthat have been determined to be counterfeit or suspect may be stored inanother storage section. In still further alternative embodiments wherethe device is operated to accept checks and bills, currency bills may bestored in one storage location while checks are stored in another.

In alternative embodiments additional provisions may be made. Forexample in some embodiments one or more aligned vertical transports maybe capable of transporting documents through several vertically alignedstorage areas. In such situations a document may be moved to thevertical level associated with a storage area that is appropriate forthe storage of the document. Once at that level a plunger may movetransversely so as to place the document into the appropriate storagelocation on either side of the vertical transport. In this way numeroustypes of documents can be accepted and segregated within the ATM.

In still other alternative embodiments the storage mechanism may beintegrated with a document picker mechanism such as shown in U.S. Pat.No. 6,331,000 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Thusdocuments which have been stored such as currency bills may thereafterbe automatically removed through operation of the picker mechanism anddispensed to users of the ATM machine. Various approaches may be takenutilizing the principals of the described embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 82 exemplary storage area 440 is generally held in aclosed position such that the items stored therein are not accessibleeven to a servicer who has access to the interior of the ATM. This isaccomplished through use of a sliding door 624 which in the exemplaryembodiment is constructed of collapsible sections. The door is enabledto be moved such that access to documents stored in the storage area canbe accessed such as is shown in FIG. 108. In an exemplary embodiment theability to open door 624 is controlled by a lock 626. In the exemplaryembodiment lock 626 comprises a key lock such that authorized personsmay gain access to the interior of the storage area if they possess anappropriate key.

In some exemplary embodiments the deposit accepting device may bemounted in movable supporting connection with structures in the interiorof the housing of the banking machine. This may be done in the mannershown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,065 the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. In some exemplary embodiments a servicer may accessthe interior of the banking machine housing by opening one or moreexternal doors. Such doors may require the opening of one or more locksbefore the interior of the housing may be accessed. With such a dooropen the servicer may move the deposit accepting device 420 whilesupported by the housing so that the storage area of the device extendsoutside the housing. This may make it easier in some embodiments toremove documents from the storage area.

In the exemplary embodiment persons authorized to remove documents fromthe storage area may open the lock and move the door 624 to an openposition so as to gain access to the interior of the storage area.Documents that have been positioned in the storage locations can beremoved by moving the backing plates 622 and 618 against the springbiasing force of the respective springs or other biasing mechanisms 617,619, that holds the stacks of stored documents in sandwiched relation.Manually engageable tabs 628 and 630 are provided in the exemplaryembodiment so as to facilitate the servicer's ability to move thebacking plates against the respective biasing force. With the respectivebacking plate moved horizontally away from the vertical transport, thestack of documents between the backing plate and vertical transport canbe removed. Each backing plate can be moved to remove document stacks oneach horizontal side of the vertical transport. Once the storeddocuments have been removed, the backing plates can return automaticallyto the appropriate position to accept more documents due to the biasingforce. Likewise the door 624 can be closed and the lock returned to thelocked position. If the deposit accepting device is movably mounted sothat the storage area is outside the machine, it can be moved back intothe interior of the housing. The housing can then be secured by closingthe doors and locks thereon. This construction of the exemplaryembodiment not only facilitates the removal of checks, currency or otherdocuments, but is also helpful in clearing any jams that may occurwithin the vertical transport.

The exemplary embodiment also provides advantages in terms of clearingjams within the document alignment, analysis and/or escrow areas. Forexample as shown in FIGS. 81 and 82, the device may be opened such thatthe entire transport path for documents up to the point of the verticaltransport may be readily accessed. As a result in the event that thedocument should become jammed therein, a servicer may unlatch a latchwhich holds a platen in position such as for example latch 632 shown inFIG. 81 and move the platen 448 rotationally and the componentssupported thereon to the position shown so as to enable exposing thedocument alignment area and document analysis area. As can beappreciated platen 448 is mounted through hinges which enable the platento rotate about an axis through the hinges so as to facilitate theopening thereof. Likewise the portions of the platen 449 supporting themechanisms overlying the escrow area can be opened as shown to exposethat area of the document transport path so as to facilitate accessingdocuments therein. As shown in FIGS. 81 and 82, platen 449 is rotatableabout an axis that extends generally perpendicular to the axis aboutwhich platen 448 is rotatable. Further in the exemplary embodiment,platens 448 and 449 are configured so that platen 448 must be moved tothe open position before platen 449 can be opened. Likewise platen 449must be closed before platen 448 is closed. This exemplary constructionenables the use of a single latch to secure the platens in the operativepositions, and to enable unsecuring the single latch so that the platenscan both be moved to expose the document alignment, document analysisand escrow areas of the document transport path in the device. Ofcourse, this approach is exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

In servicing the exemplary embodiment of the deposit accepting device420 which for purposes of this service discussion will be described withregard to checks, a servicer generally begins by opening a door or otheraccess mechanism such as a fascia or panel that enables gaining accessto an interior area of the housing of the ATM. In an exemplaryembodiment the check accepting device 420 is supported on slides, andafter unlatching a mechanism that normally holds the device in operativeposition, the device can be moved, while supported by the housing toextend outside the ATM. Of course in some situations and depending onthe type of service to be performed, it may not be necessary to extendthe device outside the ATM housing. Alternatively in some situations aservicer may extend the device outside the housing and then remove thedevice from supporting connection with the ATM housing completely. Thismay be done for example, when the entire device is to be replaced with adifferent device.

The servicer may disengage the latch 632 and rotate platen 448 about theaxis of its hinges. This exposes the areas of the transport path throughthe device in the document alignment area 424 and document analysis area426. It should be noted that when the platen 448 is moved to the openposition the toothed contoured edges 456,458 shown in FIG. 84, are movedapart.

With the platen 448 moved to expose the document alignment and documentanalysis areas, any checks which have become caught or jammed thereincan be removed by the servicer. The servicer can also conduct otheractivities such as cleaning the scanning sensors or the magnetic readhead. Such cleaning may be done using suitable solvents, swabs or othermaterials. The servicer may also clean, align, repair or replace otheritems in the exposed areas of the transport path.

With platen 448 in the open position a servicer may also move platen 449from the closed position to the open position shown in FIGS. 82 and 83.Rotating platen 449 about the axis of its supports to the open position,exposes the escrow area 428 of the transport path. A servicer may thenclear any jammed documents from the escrow area. The servicer may alsoclean, align, repair or replace other components that are exposed orotherwise accessible in the escrow area.

Upon completion of service the platen 449 is rotated to the closedposition. Thereafter the platen 448 is rotated to the closed position.This brings the contoured edges 456, 458 back into adjacent alignment.With platen 448 in the closed position the latch 632 is secured to holdboth platens in the closed positions, the check accepting device canthen be moved back into the operating position and secured therein. Theservicer when done, will then close the door or other device to closethe interior of the ATM housing. Of course these approaches areexemplary.

Upon closing the housing the ATM may be returned to service. This mayinclude passing a test document through the transport path through thedeposit accepting device 420 and/or reading indicia of various typesfrom one or more test documents. In an exemplary embodiment a servicerinputs to the machine a non-negotiable test document. The test documentmay include visual indicia such as characters, symbols, designs or otheritems. The document may also include magnetic indicia which can besensed and interpreted by the machine. These may include RFID tags, IR,UV or other features. Of course in exemplary embodiment other ordifferent features may be included on the test document.

To test the ATM of an exemplary embodiment the servicer provides one ormore inputs to the machine to indicate that a test of the depositaccepting device is to be conducted. The ATM then operates in accordancewith its programming to accept the test document into the depositaccepting device and read indicia from the test document through themagnetic sensors, scanning sensors, RFID reader and/or other sensors.

The exemplary ATM then operates to analyze the signals from one or moreof the sensors through operation of the at least one processor in themachine. The at least one processor of the exemplary embodiment includescharacter recognition software and other software that is operative todetermine what characters, data, symbols, designs or other indiciacorrespond to the types of indicia sensed on the test document.

The at least one processor in the ATM of the exemplary embodimentoperates to provide one or more outputs which indicate how the ATMinterpreted the indicia on the test document. In the exemplaryembodiment the ATM provides one or more outputs through the display thatinclude interpretation information. For example, the ATM may outputnumerical characters which represent how the ATM interpreted visual dataon the test document. The ATM may also output micr characters thatindicate how the ATM interpreted micr or other magnetic indicia on thetest document. The ATM may also output other data which corresponds totag data which shows how the machine interpreted data sensed from anRFID tag on the document. Other outputs indicating how the ATMinterpreted other indicia on the tagged document may be output.

The at least one processor in the ATM of the exemplary embodimentoperates to provide one or more outputs which indicate how the ATMinterpreted the indicia on the test document. In the exemplaryembodiment the ATM provides one or more outputs through the display thatinclude interpretation information. For example, the ATM may outputnumerical characters which represent how the ATM interpreted visual dataon the test document. The ATM may also output micr characters thatindicate how the ATM interpreted micr or other magnetic indicia on thetest document. The ATM may also output other data which corresponds totag data which shows how the machine interpreted data sensed from anRFID tag on the document. Other outputs indicating how the ATMinterpreted other indicia on the tagged document may be output.

In some embodiments the ATM may display a visual image of the testdocument as imaged by the scanning sensors to the servicer. Thisapparatus may include the ATM displaying outputs adjacent to portions ofthe image indicating how the ATM interpreted the types of indicia on thedocument. This may enable a servicer to visually check and compare theinterpretation made by the machine with regard to indicia on the testdocument. In some embodiments the interpretation information may beoutput for multiple indicia simultaneously. Other embodiments may enablea servicer to use a pointing device such as a mouse to select charactersand other features of the output image. In response to selection of afeature the ATM may output data which indicates how it interpreted thatindicia, such as by indicating visually or through sounds or otheroutput types, how the particular indicia was interpreted. The outputsmay include for example, outputting a numerical value, micr character,symbol name or other identifier. Of course this approach is exemplary ofapproaches that may be used.

In some embodiments the ATM may operate to provide outputs to theservicer which indicate one or more levels of assurance associated withthe ATM's interpretation of indicia on the test document. The level ofassurance may include an indication of how closely the sensed indiciacorresponds to values, characters or other items the ATM can interpret.The level of assurance data may indicate how confident the software inthe ATM is of the interpretation indicated. Such output information maybe useful to the servicer in indicating how well the ATM is operating.For example, in some embodiments the test document may includedeliberately ambiguous indicia in some areas to verify the ATMinterprets such indicia as not capable of being interpreted with asufficiently high level of assurance to be acceptable. Variousapproaches may be used depending on the nature of the types of indiciaanalyzed.

In some embodiments the ATM may operate in accordance with itsprogramming to recover data from one or more data stores correspondingto the test document. Such data may be used to provide the servicer withone or more outputs from the ATM indicative of whether the ATM was ableto properly interpret the test document. In other embodiments indicia isincluded on the test document itself and may be used by one or moreprocessors in the ATM to indicate to the servicer any deficiencies orproblems. Of course other approaches may be used.

In the event a problem is detected, the servicer in some embodiments maybe able to retry the analysis using the same test document. This may bedone by the ATM in response to one or more inputs from the servicer.Alternatively the servicer may retest with another test document.

In an exemplary embodiment, in response to a successful test and/or oneor more inputs from the servicer, the test document is moved to thestorage area. This helps to assure the transport path is open. In someembodiments the ATM may operate to print on the test document using thestamper printer and/or inkjet printer to assure operation. The servicerthen opens the ATM and retrieves the test document from the storagearea. If everything is satisfactory the servicer may then close the ATMand return the machine to normal operation. Of course it should beunderstood that these approaches are exemplary and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

Thus the deposit accepting apparatus and system of the exemplaryembodiments achieve at least some of the above stated objectives,eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices andsystems, and attain the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been described asexemplary embodiments for purposes of brevity, clarity andunderstanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to be impliedtherefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and areintended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the features shown or described.

Further, in the following claims any feature described as a means forperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recitedfunction, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shownor described for performing the recited function in the foregoingdescription, or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, any ofthe advantages and useful results attained; the new and usefulstructures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: (a) inputting during authorized servicing of anautomated banking machine including a deposit accepting device adaptedto interpret visual indicia and magnetic indicia of documents input tothe automated banking machine, a non-negotiable test document into theautomated banking machine, wherein the test document includes bothvisual indicia and magnetic indicia; (b) reading during the servicing,at least one output provided by the automated banking machine indicativeof how the machine interpreted at least one of the visual indicia andthe magnetic indicia of the test document.
 2. The method according toclaim 1 wherein the at least one output provided by the machine includesa visual image of the test document, and wherein (b) includes reviewingthe visual image of the test document output by the machine.
 3. Themethod according to claim 2 wherein the machine includes characterrecognition software operating in the machine, and wherein the machineis operative to provide at least one output corresponding to at leastone character on the test document determined through operation of thecharacter recognition software, and wherein (b) includes reviewing theat least one output corresponding to the at least one character.
 4. Themethod according to claim 3 wherein the character recognition softwareis operative to determine at least one numerical value on the testdocument and to include the at least one numerical value in the at leastone output from the machine, and wherein (b) includes reviewing the atleast one numerical value in the at least one output.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 4 wherein the character recognition software isoperative to determine at least one micr character on the test documentand to include data corresponding to the at least one micr character inthe at least one output from the machine, and wherein (b) includesreviewing in the at least one output the data corresponding to the atleast one micr character.
 6. The method according to claim 5 wherein themachine further includes at least one magnetic sensor, and wherein themachine is operative to read magnetic indicia on the test documentthrough operation of the at least one magnetic sensor and to includedata corresponding to magnetic indicia read from the test document bythe at least one magnetic sensor in the at least one output, and wherein(b) includes reviewing in the at least one output a representation ofmagnetic indicia sensed by the at least one magnetic sensor.
 7. Themethod according to claim 6 wherein the at least one magnetic sensor isoperative to read at least one micr character on the test document, andwherein the machine is operative to include in the at least one output,a representation of the at least one micr character, and wherein (b)includes reviewing the representation of the at least one micr characterin the at least one output.
 8. The method according to claim 7 whereinthe test document further includes at least one RFID tag including tagdata, and wherein the machine includes at least one RFID sensor, andwherein the machine is operative to determine tag data and to include inthe at least one output data corresponding to the tag data, and wherein(b) includes reviewing in the at least one output the data correspondingto the tag data.
 9. The method according to claim I and furthercomprising: (c) operating the machine to dispense cash through operationof a cash dispenser in the machine.
 10. The method according to claim 1wherein the automated banking machine is operative to provide at leastone output indicative of how the machine interpreted both visual andmagnetic indicia on the test document, and wherein (b) includes readingat least one output provided by the machine indicative of how themachine interpreted both the visual and magnetic indicia on the testdocument.
 11. The method according to claim 1 wherein the machineincludes character recognition software operating in the machine, andwherein the machine is operative to provide at least one outputcorresponding to at least one character on the test document determinedthrough operation of the character recognition software, and wherein (b)includes reading data corresponding to at least one character in the atleast one output.
 12. The method according to claim 11 wherein themachine is operative to calculate at least one level of assuranceassociated with interpretation of at least one of the visual andmagnetic indicia on the test document, and to include in the at leastone output, data corresponding to the at least one level of assurance,and wherein (b) includes reading the data in the at least one outputcorresponding to the at least one level of assurance.
 13. The methodaccording to claim I wherein the machine includes an RFID sensor andwherein the test document includes at least one RFID tag including tagdata, and wherein the machine is operative to determine the tag data,and includes data corresponding to the tag data in the at least oneoutput, and wherein (b) includes reading the data corresponding to thetag data in the at least one output.
 14. The method according to claim Iand further comprising: (c) subsequent to (b) receiving at least onenegotiable check in to the machine, whereby the machine is operative todetermine visual and magnetic indicia on the cheek.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 1 and further comprising: (c) subsequent to (b),retrieving the test document from within the machine.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein (b) includes reading at least one outputindicative of how the machine interpreted both the visual indicia andthe magnetic indicia of the test document.
 17. The method according toclaim 1 wherein the test document is a reusable servicing tool, whereinprior to (a) the test document was used in testing at least oneautomated banking machine, and wherein (a) includes reusing the testdocument.
 18. A method comprising: (a) causing an automated bankingmachine to be removed from normal operation of permitting customertransactions, wherein the machine includes a deposit accepting deviceadapted to interpret visual indicia and magnetic indicia of documentsinput to the machine; (b) subsequent to (a) and while the machine isstill removed from normal operation, inputting a non-negotiable testdocument into the machine during authorized servicing of the machine,wherein the test document includes both visual indicia and magneticindicia; (c) subsequent to (b) and while the machine is still removedfrom normal operation, reading at least one output provided by theautomated banking machine during the authorized servicing of themachine, wherein the at least one output is indicative of how themachine interpreted at least one of the visual indicia and the magneticindicia of the test document; and (d) subsequent to (c), causing themachine to be returned to normal operation.
 19. A method comprising: (a)inputting a machine-testing document into an automated banking machinewhile the machine is being serviced by an authorized servicer, whereinthe machine-testing document includes both visual indicia and magneticindicia, wherein the machine is operative to read both the visualindicia and the magnetic indicia from the machine-testing document,wherein the machine is operative to calculate at least one level ofassurance associated with interpretation of at least one of the visualindicia and the magnetic indicia read from the machine-testing document,wherein the machine is operative to provide at least one outputindicative of the at least one level of assurance; and (b) while themachine is still being serviced, reading at least one output provided bythe machine indicative of the at least one level of assurance.
 20. Themethod according to claim 19 wherein the machine is operative tocalculate a first level of assurance associated with interpretation ofthe visual indicia read from the machine-testing document, wherein themachine is operative to calculate a second level of assurance associatedwith interpretation of the magnetic indicia read from themachine-testing document, wherein the machine is operative to provide atleast one output indicative of the first and second levels of assurance,and wherein (b) includes reading at least one output provided by themachine indicative of the first and second levels of assurance.